0 the person, animal, or organization that is most likely to win something:
She is one of the front-runners in the contest.
1 the person, idea, or product that seems most likely to succeed:
2 the person or organization that is most likely to get or win something:
She is the front-runner, as a result of representations from various quarters in recent months.
This is a real front-runner, with developments in the area of citizenship legislation particularly welcome.
But there was no clear front-runner, either on merits or on its support within local government.
He is alleged to have said that current developments are no threat to the environment, although previously he had been a front-runner in the environment protection lobby.
He came out of the gate quickly and was the front-runner throughout the race.
It is considered to be a front-runner in the country rock music genre.
She was definitely the front-runner before that, leading some to believe that the answer directly had caused her to lose the competition.
He is regarded as an excellent front-runner; by many other professionals.