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 Flames took a 3-2 lead to the third period, but when Matt Coronato was sent off for delay of game 17 seconds in, the Ducks’ red-hot power play took advantage with Carlsson tying it at 55 seconds.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
The remarkably smooth ride up to the top travels 500 feet high in 60 seconds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of second

Noun

In 1992, while arranging insurance for Judd’s Marfa properties, his bookkeeper and assistant Jeff Kopie proposed leaving three small buildings then under renovation off the policy altogether, noting their minimal value.

— Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Abbott said that Accenture research found that 65% of consumers are open to using a GPT-like financial assistant through a Gen AI platform or digital wallet, and 71% would welcome an AI assistant embedded within their primary bank's mobile app.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of assistant

Noun

Monday's attacks on a shelter and former school with bunker-busting bombs came as people were lined up for aid in Komyshuvakha, a village in the Zaporizhzhia region.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
The strikes come after Russia's deadly attack on an aid distribution site on Monday in a village in southern Ukraine, which killed 31 people.

— Katlyn Ma, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of aid

Noun

Her day job is as deputy creative director at the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Arizona.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Notable Nuclear power is key to bolstering energy security in Africa, but its rollout on the continent requires workforce training and safety regulations, said Daniel Poneman, former US deputy enerfy secretary.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of second fiddle

noun

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