SECOND-RATE Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

second-rate

adjective

ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrāt

Definition of second-rate

as in decent

of average to below average quality a second-rate song from a songwriter who has done much better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inferior

of little or less value or merit a second-rate company that was never considered among the top manufacturers of televisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in cheap

of low quality second-rate goods specifically manufactured for the low end of the market

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-rate LaFleur could never find the winning formula during Green Bay’s second-rate, 8-9 season in 2022, then Gutekunst traded Rodgers to the New York Jets 3 ½ months later. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 15 Mar. 2026 For those who don't know his story, Darnold has gone through so much during his last eight seasons, including being pushed around the league like a second-rate quarterback and being called a bust by many in the profession. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 Maybe then the United States will care about slipping to second-rate. — Noah Shachtman, Wired News, 13 Jan. 2026 For three months, Turner’s college football programming has been limited to second-rate Big 12 games, with Fox and ESPN retaining rights to the conference’s most appealing matchups. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for second-rate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for second-rate

Adjective

As time passes, the kills have to get more inventive to sustain the level of suspense required for a decent sized group of people to be in fear of their lives for a prolong period of time.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
These are fine principles, the bedrock of any decent society.

— James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

Definition of decent

Adjective

The new buildings also provided cheaper housing options for Caracas workers who couldn’t afford to live in the city.

— Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
The Steamfitters were staging protests outside the Pfizer site, accusing the MetroLoft — which employs a mix of union and nonunion contractors — of building on the cheap and tolerating unsafe work conditions.

— Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Definition of cheap

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

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

Headline figures such as tasks completed, queries handled or hours saved can look impressive while concealing errors, rework, poor customer outcomes and escalating operating expenses.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Habits like poor sleep, heavy drinking and smoking often make things worse, and work pressure, financial strain and caring for aging parents can compound the effects.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Definition of poor

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