second only to

: next to the first in place or time

: next to the first in value, excellence, or degree

: inferior, subordinate

: one that is number two in a series — see Table of Numbers

: one that is next after the first in rank, position, authority, or precedence

: one that assists or supports another

: in the second place : secondly

: before all others with one exception

: the 60th part of a minute of angular measure

: the 60th part of a minute of time : 1/86,400 part of the mean solar day

: an instant of time : moment

: to give support or encouragement to : assist

: to support (a fighting person or group) in combat : bring up reinforcements for

: to support or assist in contention or debate

: unquestionably the best : peerless

: alone in a class or category : sole

: having no brother or sister

: as a single fact or instance and nothing more or different : merely

: solely, exclusively

: at the very least

: with the restriction that : but

: and yet : however

: were it not that : except