second-best

1 of 3

adjective

sec·​ond-best ˌse-kən(d)-ˈbest How to pronounce second-best (audio)
-kᵊŋ-
: next to the best

second best

2 of 3

noun

: one that is below or after the best

second best

3 of 3

adverb

: in second place

Examples of second-best in a Sentence

Noun He won't settle for second best.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Springer is on pace for the second-best offensive season by a Blue Jay over 30 years old since 2005, behind just José Bautista’s 2011. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 Sands’ 396 yards rushing versus MU remain well ahead of the second-best rushing effort in KU history. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Marvel has made clear that the studio is preparing the Fantastic Four’s most iconic nemesis, Dr. Doom, for a forthcoming film, but the planet-obliterating combo of Galactus and Silver Surfer hardly feel like second best. Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 July 2025 The second best performing sector in 2025 has been consumer staples, and the tobacco group has shown strong performance going back to mid-2024. David Keller, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Among the challenges for the second best-selling female artist of all time? Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 His 138 yards over expectation ranked second best to Keisean Nixon's 214 for Green Bay. Josh Dubow, ajc, 11 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for second-best

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-best was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-best. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

second-best

adjective
: next to the best
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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