: one that is below or after the best
: in second place
Examples of second-best in a Sentence
Noun
He won't settle for second best.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jay King, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Tatum missed Boston’s first 62 games of the season, during which the team went 41-21 while posting the NBA’s second-best net rating.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Indiana has outscored teams by 237 points in the first half of games this season (second best nationally behind Texas Tech's 256).
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
Indiana has outscored teams by 237 points in the first half of games this season (second best nationally behind Texas Tech's 256).
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-best
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Adjective
Despite his absence, the Celtics sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings as of Thursday and hold the NBA’s second-best net rating and offense.
—Jay King, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Tatum missed Boston’s first 62 games of the season, during which the team went 41-21 while posting the NBA’s second-best net rating.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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
Indiana has outscored teams by 237 points in the first half of games this season (second best nationally behind Texas Tech's 256).
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
The second best-selling style from the online outlet, the Michael Kors Jet Set Crossbody Bag is beloved by shoppers for its versatility, classic style, simple silhouette, and spacious interior.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
Indiana has outscored teams by 237 points in the first half of games this season (second best nationally behind Texas Tech's 256).
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-best
Cite this Entry
“Second-best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-best. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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