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

Relevance

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 There, he’s attacked by The Denied, a militia group of non-benders who feel like second-class citizens in this world seeking an old totem of a prior Avatar known as Sonam. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 July 2026 Throughout history, toxic males in many cultures have worked hard to limit women’s options, control their behavior and treat them as second-class human beings. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for second-class

Recent Examples of Synonyms for second-class

Adjective

But those three road losses were either in the postseason to a top-two team, at Oregon or the inexplicable 2024 loss to a far inferior Michigan team in The Game.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
The main disagreement centers on what the union says are inferior pay scales compared with nonunion workers.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of inferior

Adjective

That individual, who is a club employee, suffered a minor head injury and refused medical attention at the scene, fire officials said.

— Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Counter said the Bruin’s fire-alarm system is currently monitored, its emergency generator will be tested in the coming weeks, and several minor plumbing issues are being addressed.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

Pay attention to ordinary pleasures, like a warm bed on a cold night, a good cup of coffee, or a brightly colored bird outside the window.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Critics, however, said the effects of those macroeconomic improvements were not being felt by ordinary Zambians who were growing frustrated with a high cost of living and electricity shortages.

— Jacob Zimba, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

By contrast, state inspection records from 2025 and the first weeks of 2026, just days after Calvo took office in January, show the city’s pool facilities were consistently rated satisfactory.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026
For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of satisfactory

Adjective

Washes were medium to dark with an emphasize on natural wash patterns.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Dunkin's fall menu includes several bakery items and the return of the $6 Meal Deal, which comes with a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich, hash browns and a medium hot or iced coffee.

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of medium

Adjective

Fernandes has some concerns as a lower volume striker, and his wrestling is mediocre.

— Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
But that enthusiasm once led him to buy five wooden boxes in a single haul, several of which were mediocre and three of which needed repairs.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of mediocre

Browse Nearby Words

second childhood

second-class

seconded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Second-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second-class. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of second-class

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

rigmarole

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes