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 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 People too often imagine the Church as having played second fiddle in colonial history, jumping on opportunities opened up by the actions of kings, navigators, and merchants. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026 Mary, meanwhile, offers our first hint that these writers aren’t as enthused about playing second fiddle to a robot as Brandon would have Valerie believe. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026 The size of the room plays second fiddle to the design, which is eye-catching and confronting, but still thoughtful. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second fiddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second fiddle
Noun
  • The person who finds the extra layer of life might broadcast it immediately but then might figure, Wait a second, why are all these people coming to me?
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 May 2026
  • Forty-one seconds later, Kelly pitchforked the puck out of his own end and into the neutral zone.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Chandler is a nursing assistant.
    Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
  • Glasner’s two main assistant coaches, Michael Angerschmid and Ronald Brunmayr, had long since been responsible for set pieces but, earlier this year, that responsibility was shifted to Paddy McCarthy with greater success, resulting in the Irishman taking up the duties full time.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • For many, this aid is what makes the difference between pursuing a degree and being forced to forgo it.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • Authorities in northeastern Congo have now banned funeral wakes and gatherings of more than 50 people, and armed soldiers and police are guarding some burials carried out by aid workers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • One of his former top aides, Gabriel Sterling, lost the Republican primary for secretary of state, and Raffensperger fell short of a runoff for the GOP nomination in his campaign for governor.
    Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 26 May 2026
  • Biden and his aides pushed back aggressively against doubts raised about his fitness for office.
    Collin Binkley, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Edward Randolph is an expert on the workings of the CPUC, having served as deputy executive director of the commission’s Energy Division from 2011 to 2021.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • Fiore, 22, the deputy chief of staff for the College Democrats of Connecticut, watched Elliott’s endorsement.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 27 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second fiddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second%20fiddle. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster