second-best

1 of 3

adjective

sec·​ond-best ˌse-kən(d)-ˈbest How to pronounce second-best (audio)
-kᵊŋ-
: next to the best

second best

2 of 3

noun

: one that is below or after the best

second best

3 of 3

adverb

: in second place

Examples of second-best in a Sentence

Noun He won't settle for second best.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The result was the show’s second-best IMDb score of any episode. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026 The fans voted Clark as the second-best guard in the league, behind Paige Bueckers. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
Surprisingly, the control group that received just water was doing second best, with the stems still standing stiff and only the outer petals showing a few signs of wilting. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 13 Feb. 2026 People and governments see China as a poor second best but resent being forced to kowtow to our president. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Among the challenges for the second best-selling female artist of all time? — Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 For the year, the Ravens are allowing only 81 yards per game on the ground – second best in the NFL. — Terry Pluto, cleveland, 17 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for second-best

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-best was in the 14th century

Rhymes for second-best

See All Rhymes for second-best

Browse Nearby Words

second baseman
second-best
second best
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-best. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

second-best

adjective
: next to the best
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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