second 1 of 4

Definition of secondnext

second

2 of 4

noun (2)

as in discard
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others the slightly flawed linens were sold as seconds

Synonyms & Similar Words

second

3 of 4

adjective

second

4 of 4

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of second
Noun
Sumayah Sugapong hit a three-pointer and Gerda Raulusaityte followed with a layup 48 seconds into the second half that made it 37-29 but the Wildcats got no closer. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026 In both cases, an SRB nozzle burned through and fell off about 30 seconds after launch. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 13 Nov. 2026
Adjective
Kaufman-Renn hit one 3 the first half and did start the second half. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026 His second, a collaboration with the Times puzzle editor Tracy Bennett, was a hefty Sunday puzzle rife with just-for-the-hell-of-it wordplay. — New York Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
This time, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a leadoff single and advanced to second on a fielding error. — Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2026 Bogaerts got to second on Dustin Harris’ subsequent sacrifice bunt. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second
Noun
  • In laboratory tests, a one-minute electrical stimulation using a standard 9-volt battery killed more than 80% of bacterial cells within three hours, according to the researchers.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • For an easier first taste of the mountain, enjoy the 35-minute walk to Baoguo Temple, then continue about a half mile along the stone trail to Fuhu Temple.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Pull meat from bones and shred into bite-size pieces; discard chicken skin and bones.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Salsa in to go cold hold at 52 and 51 degrees, and labeled for discard after two days.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Chief Randal Taylor, in an another car behind Adams, aided the pursuit, the police said.
    — Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star, 7 May 2020
  • As the Gophers kept winning in a historic season, stakes surrounding their season-ending rivalry game with Wisconsin kept ratcheting up — outgrowing even the another annual Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 30 Nov. 2019
Verb
  • Song suggested drones could assist civilian rescue teams during landslides, road collapses and floods.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Crews at the scene were assisted by the Warehouse Point Fire Department.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • While a plurality of viewers seemed genuinely fascinated by the three-week-long trip, even during less-exciting moments, Dykes noticed that some expressed a morbid glee for destructive content.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2026
  • William Allain, whose moment was virtually destroyed by a racist, homophobic GOP slander campaign, followed.
    — Claire Howorth, Vanity Fair, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Conservationists say a cull wouldn’t work because other sharks would simply move into the area.
    — Tim Backshall, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The news comes only 24 hours after the streamer underwent a massive cull, laying off around 1,000 employees.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Each sculpture was developed through successive layers of clay that were fired repeatedly as glazes to create texture and shape.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Over successive summers, their routine became a framing device.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Washington's franchise player rose to the opportunity, aided by a pass-interference call that moved Daniels and the offense closer.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The practice made its way to Florida thanks to a law aided by billionaire Ken Griffin’s lobbyists and is set to mushroom.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on second

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!