second banana

noun

Definition of second banananext
as in top banana

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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 banana Caesar and Coca were soon joined on the show by the diminutive Howard Morris, whom Caesar could hoist from the ground and glare at face to face, and by Carl Reiner, tall like Caesar but as happy as Sid was miserable—the ideal second banana. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 If Kate felt like the second banana in her career previously, at least that was based on her official role as Hal’s second at their various postings. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 Nick Jonas is currently in negotiations to play Paul Stanley, Kiss' lead singer (but second banana to bassist Gene Simmons, whose casting remains a mystery, as spokesman for the group). — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 7 June 2025 Gordon has frequently run off attempts from Thunder second banana Jalen Williams, who’s struggled mightily in shooting 24% from the floor the last three games. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for second banana
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second banana
  1. top banana
  2. gagman
  3. comedian
  4. wag
  5. humorist
Noun
  • If micro fruit nails were last year’s top banana, cherry nails are taking the title for 2026.
    — Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Inflated prices are likely a byproduct of the president’s trade war, with tariffs imposed on the country’s top banana suppliers.
    — Claire Malon, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of top banana
Noun
  • Bernabe caught the attention of Twitter gagman and Banana Capital founder Turner Novak, who’s made a name for himself by entwining industry analysis with creative memes on social media.
    — Nina Wolpow, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2021
Definition of gagman
Noun
  • Dennis and Rosa encounter all sorts of people, from feuding Take That tribute bands to Irish bachelorettes, comedians and bingo enthusiasts.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Besides Carlile and Martin, comedian/actor Martin Short is also featured on a song, as well as artists Joy Oladokun, Amythyst Kiah, and the first UK professional trans choir Trans Voices.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of comedian
Noun
  • The Twitch Like wags or swishes, occasional sharp twitches of the tail are no cause for alarm for you, the hunter.
    — Tom Carpenter, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Ever since the infamous finger-wag at LSU, Clark has dominated Angel Reese.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of wag
Noun
  • Artificial was written by humorist and Saturday Night Live alum Simon Rich.
    — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Waugh on his turn from satirical humorist to dark inquisitor of the human condition is in full effect here.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of humorist

Browse Nearby Words

secondary schools
second banana
second bananas
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Cite this Entry

“Second banana.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second%20banana. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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