: 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
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Garza entered Wednesday with the second-best net rating of all Celtics rotation players since Vucevic’s injury, trailing only Tatum.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 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
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for second-best
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Adjective
Mbiya also earned the praise of Kansas coach Bill Self, who called him KU’s second-best player in the game behind superstar Darryn Peterson.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Garza entered Wednesday with the second-best net rating of all Celtics rotation players since Vucevic’s injury, trailing only Tatum.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 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
In three meetings with the East Yorkshire club this season, Phil Parkinson’s side have been distinctly second best.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
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
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 23 Mar. 2026.
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