SECOND FIDDLE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

second fiddle

noun

Definition of second fiddle

as in second

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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 fiddle My connoisseurship plays second fiddle to my status as a member of the clan. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2026 The religion of college football is strong in the South, and everything else just plays second fiddle. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026 Bicycle tail lights have a way of playing second fiddle to their brighter, more interesting headlight siblings. — Ben Coxworth may 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2026 Colleen Camp, on the other hand, demonstrates a flair for light comedy as an alluring French maid, though the role too often requires her to play second fiddle to her own enhanced bosom. — Kirk Ellis, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for second fiddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for second fiddle

Noun

The senior receiver made a game-winning, one-handed catch on fourth-and-goal for the Eagles in the closing seconds — and much to the delight of senior quarterback Sean Ruisz.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Emma Roberts is here as her character from Coven for a few seconds!

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of second

Noun

After a disastrous 3-14 season in 2025, Glenn fired half his coaching staff and brought in experienced assistants, including offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
One of his assistants tried desperately to keep Schiano off the field as he got animated.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of assistant

Noun

Her first crush was on the cherubic lead child actor in Meatballs, the one who requires the aid of camp counselor Bill Murray to learn self-respect.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
The floated consideration of the legislation comes after Jeffries opposed an amendment to an annual foreign affairs spending bill that aimed to cut off aid to Israel back in July, a measure more than 100 Democrats supported.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of aid

Noun

Know More The Pentagon has negotiated equity or some equivalent, like warrants, in at least 10 companies since Cerberus cofounder Steve Feinberg was confirmed as deputy defense secretary last year.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Kosta The two rivals also do not agree on Diamantis, the former deputy state budget director at the Office of Policy and Management who was fired by Lamont in a high-profile corruption scandal.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of deputy

Noun

But that hasn’t stopped out-of-state reenactors from worrying their muskets will be confiscated at the George Washington Bridge, says Justin Costantino, adjutant of the Long Island Companies of the 3rd New York Regiment.

— Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
In the months since fellow senior Legion executives suspended Abrahamson without pay from his statewide adjutant job in April, a number of the roughly 8,000 members in Idaho have called for a change in leadership.

— Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2024

Definition of adjutant

Noun

Schnurr came to Cincinnati in 2008 as coadjutor archbishop and took over as archbishop about a year later, upon the retirement of former Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk.

— Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
By 1997, he was named coadjutor archbishop of Buenos Aires, assuming full leadership of the archdiocese the following year.

— Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Definition of coadjutor

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seconded

second fiddle

second fiddles

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“Second fiddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second%20fiddle. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of second fiddle

noun

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