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 The Catholic Church reserves the priesthood for men, and women have long complained of a second-class status despite carrying out the lion’s share of the church’s work running schools, hospitals and passing the faith onto younger generations. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 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

Advertisement Settling for hand sanitizer Hand sanitizer isn’t a lazy or inferior choice in every situation.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
The ornamental characteristics of suckers that develop from roots are inferior to the upper portion of the tree.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of inferior

Adjective

The perfect size for a daypack, this backpack is large enough to fit a decent amount, such as a book, large headphones, a sweater, snacks and a water bottle, alongside your basic essentials like your wallet, phone and keys.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
No such problems with following the play existed at Tranmere, where, even in the 1980s, their long-term home afforded a decent view from behind both goals.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of decent

Adjective

Many higher education institutions have started offering classes focused on the burgeoning content creation industry over the past couple years, and several have certificate or minor programs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
On Friday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two identical incidents of drone strikes on tankers in Hormuz a day earlier, causing minor damage but no casualties.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

Kurt's key takeaways What caught my attention here is how ordinary the problem is.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
For a growing number of Charlotte-area homeowners, the path to foreclosure can start with something as ordinary as a missed paycheck, a medical setback or a rising monthly bill.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

Expanding the Emmys’ parameters would not only increase the mean quality of nominated work but also bring attention to great stuff flying under the radar.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Generally, studies on heat extremes work with some combination of daily minimum, maximum, and mean temperatures.

— Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of mean

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

Grafton Correctional Institution houses just over 2,000 inmates for minimum and medium security levels and has been in operation since 1988, according to the facility.

— Jon Haworth, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
After distillation, the tequila was aged for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels with medium and high char levels, as well as in French oak casks that were previously used to age Amarone wine, a dry red wine from Italy.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of medium

Browse Nearby Words

second childhood

second-class

seconded

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“Second-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second-class. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of second-class

adjective

Example Sentences

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