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 In many Muslim nations, women are treated as second-class citizens. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 Harari and many proponents of the ethical view of affective sentientism want suffering to be the defining criterion that protects conscious beings from becoming second-class citizens to intelligent machines. — Andréa Morris, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The date stood out to Browning, who’d lost thousands in anticipated shillings when 584 steerage and 253 second-class passengers chose drowning in a Canadian river over registering at one of his boarding houses near the port of Liverpool. — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Muslim residents have long complained of being treated like second-class citizens in Thailand, and separatist movements have been periodically active for decades. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for second-class

Recent Examples of Synonyms for second-class

Adjective

The idea is to sound like an inferior buck in the brush, one that is roaming around a mature deer’s space and getting on his nerves.

— Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Only 272 yards, at home, against a UCLA team that unquestionably has inferior talent?

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of inferior

Adjective

The activists who once demanded radical change begin worrying about their children’s safety, their schools, and whether the neighborhood is a decent place to grow up.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Each tier receives different benefits, but even the lowester level (Green) still gets a decent amount of perks.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of decent

Adjective

Charlie Weasley is a minor character in the books and does not appear in the films, so the HBO series is straying from the movies regarding Ron Weasley’s older brother.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
If winner is deemed to be a minor under the jurisdiction of his/her residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who must execute the necessary affidavit and release and, if applicable,.

— Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

However, the record does not establish that the configuration is suitable for ordinary motorcycle use on water or for routine amphibious transportation.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Behind the camera, Avani Rai shot about 130 people comprising ordinary Indians, dancers, models, and artisans, as well as her mother and actor Ranveer Singh against the streets of Old Delhi and its flower market and crowded alleyways.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of ordinary

Adjective

Or the sexologist who makes a mean flan and knows how to push people’s buttons in ‘The Invite’?

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Some of the interactions are so sweet, and then some of them are a little bit more embarrassing or aggressive or mean.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of mean

Adjective

Why not, then, return to 2016 spending amounts which seemed satisfactory at the time?

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Harriot quickly found a convenient formula for how many were arranged in a square pyramid based on the number in the bottom row and was able to present Raleigh with a satisfactory solution.

— Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfactory

Adjective

Partially cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of a thigh registers at least 165°, 15–18 minutes.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
The shrimp selections are the star of the table, with medium-size butterflied shrimp fried, grilled or served chilled.

— Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of medium

Adjective

Roan also adds an new verse to the song, slightly changing the lyrics to reference a mediocre female suitor alongside Rodrigo’s original lines.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
Neither release became a theatrical phenomenon, but each earned more than $40 million worldwide — suggesting even mediocre horror films can get respectable returns when their premises are appealing enough.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of mediocre

Browse Nearby Words

second childhood

second-class

seconded

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Style

“Second-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second-class. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of second-class

adjective

Example Sentences

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