second fiddle

Definition of second fiddlenext

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 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 Her amused, introspective grace juggling a vast cast of (wonderful) characters and (fascinating) relationships means the true story at the center here ends up playing second fiddle. Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 Another year for Mamardashvili to play second fiddle, continue to learn from the best in the business, and attempt to make the necessary improvements feels like a common-sense approach. James Pearce, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second fiddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second fiddle
Noun
  • Only seconds after taking the pitch, Romelu Lukaku made a run to the front of the net, as his teammate sent in a pass.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • This is the least eventful task, since taking a single photo only requires a few seconds.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Her two assistants, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, are also American women.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • Parker, a former Eagles assistant, has risen quickly through the NFL coaching ranks and now faces a tough task with a roster full of new faces and high expectations.
    Briana Aldridge, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • In addition to all the bottles that were flying, someone in one of the buses threw a metal first-aid box from inside it at a Daily News reporter.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
  • The judges association came to Dixson’s aid with endorsements, campaign cash and the op-ed — actions Bass views as heavy-handed and political, but Dixson’s supporters said were necessary to protect a judge from unwarranted attacks.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • One such post targeting the wife of a Dooley operative led to Collins firing a top political aide responsible for the post.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
  • The nonprofit didn’t report paying any compensation to a staff or board, which includes two former Newsom aides, Steve Kawa and Jim DeBoo, as well as Sacramento Kings COO Matina Kolokotronis.
    Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • According to Euro News, 125 deputies backed the government proposal, 61 voted against it and 13 abstained.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Ramon Padilla is the deputy graphics editor for USA TODAY.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 18 June 2026
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
  • At the time, there were an estimated 450 greater adjutant storks left in the region.
    Kyla Mandel, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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