: 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
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander passed Chamberlain’s second-best streak of 92 games earlier this season.
—Cliff Brunt, Chicago Tribune, 13 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
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
Last year, Salyer was the second-best pass-blocking offensive lineman on a Chargers line that struggled to protect quarterback Justin Herbert, as graded by Pro Football Focus.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander passed Chamberlain’s second-best streak of 92 games earlier this season.
—Cliff Brunt, Chicago Tribune, 13 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 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
