second 1 of 4

noun (1)

Definition of secondnext
as in minute
a very small space of time I'll be ready in a second

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in another

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

second

4 of 4

verb

as in to assist

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
The Spectrum rocket faltered on its first test flight in March 2025, when the launcher spun out of control less than 20 seconds after liftoff and crashed near the launch pad. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026 Holding a 17-7 lead with 90 seconds left, Boise State forced Oregon into a punt at midfield. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The German team reached the second group stage on that occasion and will be aiming for a medal this time, though the absence of star player Satou Sabally is a major blow. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Two Democrats buck their party A pretty unusual thing happened this afternoon, the second day of the House of Representatives' return from August recess. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
Tampa Bay scored the only run of the game after Chandler Simpson led off the fifth with a single to left, advanced to second on a wild pitch, moved to third when Ben Williamson grounded to second then came home on Mullins' bunt single. — ABC News, 26 July 2026 Arroyo advanced to second on a wild pitch with Elly De La Cruz at the plate, but Bradish struck out the Reds’ leadoff man to bring up the rookie Stewart, who was named to the All-Star team Saturday. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second
  1. minute
  2. discard
  3. another
  4. assist
  5. moment
  6. cull
  7. successive
  8. aid
Noun
  • The layered structure disappeared completely after 50 minutes.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Turn and continue cooking, turning every 2 minutes or so, until pork chops are deeply browned on both sides, 10–12 minutes (an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should register 145°).
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of minute
Noun
  • Drawing on classic trial films and cartoon lore, director Dave Green crafts an underdog story that mirrors the movie’s own David-versus-Goliath journey from studio discard to theatrical release.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • If liquid collects on the top of the discard, stir it in before using.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of discard
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
Definition of another
Verb
  • Chan took credit for some of the success of Cluely, a controversial AI startup whose app assists users in situations like job interviews in real time.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Thank you to the first responders who are assisting at the scene.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of assist
Noun
  • Gizelle, who has been stirring the pot and playing producer for everyone on the trip, keeps up her conniving ways by sitting down all the RHOP ladies except for Candiace during their Potomac retrospective moment at the party.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That’s a margin-for-error lesson, a moment that may continue to burn for a while.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • Both Livonia and Beverly Hills city councils are discussing a deer cull, following the lead of Southfield, Farmington and Farmington Hills, which held the region’s first cull earlier this year.
    — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This decision risks a reduction in the price dairy farmers receive for their cull cows and higher profits for foreign beef exporters, all for a potentially nominal decrease in the retail ground beef price.
    — Esme Murphy, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of cull
Adjective
  • According to the memo, the special rate contract between Google and Entergy provides an initial term of 20 years that will automatically renew for successive three-year terms until either party provides notice of termination or non-renewal.
    — Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But a strange pattern has emerged in rpTDES; each successive flare can become dimmer.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of successive
Verb
  • That has also helped the firm navigate its huge investment plans at a time when many projects in the kingdom are scaling back spending — aided by a $3 billion partnership with Blackstone to fund its data center deals.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Childcare assistance, funded by the federal government with help from states, is supposed to aid working parents who are low-income, homeless or caring for foster children.
    — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of aid

Phrases Containing second

Browse Nearby Words

seclusion
second
secondaries
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Cite this Entry

“Second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on second

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about second

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