second-in-command
noun
: someone who is ranked second in a group or organization
the police chief's second-in-command
Examples of second-in-command in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His administration has also carried out multiple counterterrorism operations in Iraq against the Islamic State terrorist group, killing its second-in-command last March.
—
Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 3 Mar. 2026
Roy has litigation experience, served as second-in-command at the attorney general’s office under Paxton, then worked as Cruz’s chief of staff before winning election to Congress in 2018.
—Philip Jankowski
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Before stepping into the role, Lynch-Reyes was the top deputy to Isabel DiMola, the local superintendent for 16 years until DiMola was promoted last summer to former Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos’ second-in-command.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Instead, Washington effectively sidelined her and has repeatedly shown a willingness to work with President Delcy Rodríguez, who had been Maduro’s second-in-command.
—Tim Sullivan, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-in-command
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.
Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 3 Mar. 2026
Roy has litigation experience, served as second-in-command at the attorney general’s office under Paxton, then worked as Cruz’s chief of staff before winning election to Congress in 2018.
—Philip Jankowski
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
Before stepping into the role, Lynch-Reyes was the top deputy to Isabel DiMola, the local superintendent for 16 years until DiMola was promoted last summer to former Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos’ second-in-command.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
Instead, Washington effectively sidelined her and has repeatedly shown a willingness to work with President Delcy Rodríguez, who had been Maduro’s second-in-command.
—Tim Sullivan, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-in-command
Cite this Entry
“Second-in-command.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-in-command. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
