SECOND-CLASS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

second-class

adjective

ˈse-kən(d)-ˈklas

Definition of second-class

as in inferior

of little or less value or merit a playwright who produced only second-class work when he turned his hand to poetry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in decent

of average to below average quality it's only a second-class restaurant and not worth the high prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-class Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War for a country that treated Black people as second-class citizens. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 June 2026 Today, the resident commissioner is a second-class lawmaker. — Austin Bussing, The Conversation, 4 June 2026 The question is whether companies can use the best agents against their own data, with fair economics, full auditability and equivalent access, without paying twice or accepting second-class performance. — Ankit Jain, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 Other personnel issues include changing the number of first-class patrol officers from 29 to 32 and the number of second-class patrol officers from six to two. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for second-class

Recent Examples of Synonyms for second-class

Adjective

The game is far worse and inferior when a team is down to 10.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026
There was a time when Irish, Italians, Jews and Chinese who came here were viewed as inferior.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Definition of inferior

Adjective

But at a time when the physical element of football is at risk of overpowering the technical side, a decent fix is playing matches in conditions where relentless sprinting simply isn’t possible.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
But Nickel had a solid spring, flashing a strong arm, decent accuracy and an ability to throw deftly on the run.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of decent

Adjective

Alongside Sneed, Beasley, who sustained a minor lower-body injury late but remained in the game, finished with 16 points.

— Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
At the tag end of the episode, Bernthal and Holland are filming B-roll footage for the episode’s outro when Holland has a coughing fit that results in a minor case of puking.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 July 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

Even a successful ground invasion would not guarantee a satisfactory outcome unless political leaders had a credible plan for the post-invasion governance and order.

— David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
IQAir expects the air quality index (AQI) to improve throughout the day Monday, even reaching the green level that is considered satisfactory.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Definition of satisfactory

Adjective

In a medium bowl microwave chocolate until melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026
If grilling, cook the eggplants over direct medium heat until soft and charred on both sides, turning once or twice, 6 to 8 minutes.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Definition of medium

Adjective

But their tales of fragile relationships, dead-end jobs, and mediocre friendships are fleshed out with patient details straight out of a Kelly Reichardt film.

— Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026
The Yankees should see a mediocre American League as an opportunity for a second pennant in three years; Aaron Judge’s uncertain injury status applies more pressure to do something at the deadline to chase down the Rays in the AL East.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of mediocre

Browse Nearby Words

second childhood

second-class

seconded

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Second-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second-class. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of second-class

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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