second only to
idiom
: only less important than (something or someone)
Rice is second only to corn as the state's major crop.
Examples of second only to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Also, New Line dropped it after Labor Day, which is generally considered to be a dead spot on the release calendar, second only to February and March.
—
Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Its number of active military personnel comes in second only to Brazil, and its significant defense spending exceeds 3 percent of its GDP, Solar told .
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
In his absence, Tonges unexpectedly emerged as a legitimate pass catcher, and his 25 receptions (224 yards) are second only to Christian McCaffrey’s 46, while each has three touchdown catches to lead the team.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Both are a season-high, and his 51 yards were second only to D’Andre Swift, who had a 55-yard TD reception.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
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Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Its number of active military personnel comes in second only to Brazil, and its significant defense spending exceeds 3 percent of its GDP, Solar told .
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
In his absence, Tonges unexpectedly emerged as a legitimate pass catcher, and his 25 receptions (224 yards) are second only to Christian McCaffrey’s 46, while each has three touchdown catches to lead the team.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Both are a season-high, and his 51 yards were second only to D’Andre Swift, who had a 55-yard TD reception.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for second only to
Cite this Entry
“Second only to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20only%20to. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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