as in minutes
a very small space of time
I'll be ready in a second
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in discards
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others
the slightly flawed linens were sold as seconds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of seconds
Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Demin hit a 3-pointer with six seconds to go to tie it, and Banchero missed a 30-footer at the buzzer.
—CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The under-16 media timeout was seconds away, and his usual preference is to save them, letting his team sort through problems on its own early in games.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson answered with a three-pointer, but Minnesota missed 3 of 4 free throws in the final 35 seconds to keep the door open.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Miami’s loss at SMU was not a season-ender Miami led SMU by three points late in the fourth quarter before the Mustangs came back to tie with 25 seconds remaining.
—Mac Engel
january 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
This roll-up mat can be stored in a cabinet or drawer, then pulled out to heat up in eight seconds for a quick solution to prevent serving cold plates on the dining table.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
The Kings had multiple chances to win the game, but Schroder, Westbrook and DeRozan all missed 3-pointers in the final 21 seconds.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
According to vehicle websites, the specific make and model of this vehicle allows for top speeds of over 200 mph, with the ability to go from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
The Wildcats, who trailed by six with 38 seconds to play in the half, went to the break down only 33-32.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Demin hit a 3-pointer with six seconds to go to tie it, and Banchero missed a 30-footer at the buzzer.
—CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The under-16 media timeout was seconds away, and his usual preference is to save them, letting his team sort through problems on its own early in games.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson answered with a three-pointer, but Minnesota missed 3 of 4 free throws in the final 35 seconds to keep the door open.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Miami’s loss at SMU was not a season-ender Miami led SMU by three points late in the fourth quarter before the Mustangs came back to tie with 25 seconds remaining.
—Mac Engel
january 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
This roll-up mat can be stored in a cabinet or drawer, then pulled out to heat up in eight seconds for a quick solution to prevent serving cold plates on the dining table.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
The Kings had multiple chances to win the game, but Schroder, Westbrook and DeRozan all missed 3-pointers in the final 21 seconds.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
According to vehicle websites, the specific make and model of this vehicle allows for top speeds of over 200 mph, with the ability to go from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seconds
Verb
-
Sometimes the Fire and Rescue Department assists a farmer/fellow firefighter rescue a cow that had fallen through the ice.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
5 Jan. 2026
-
This role assists with event and daily parking logistics, coordinates staffing, monitors traffic flow, and helps maintain vendor relationships and customer service standards.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Soft-close cabinetry is another staple of 2026 kitchen design, according to the report, a trait that not only aids durability but also prevents jarring noises.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Leaving branches in place until the tree is established yields better foliage growth that aids root establishment in the first year after transplanting.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The wraparound design stays securely in place thanks to an adjustable strap, which helps to relieve discomfort on the neck, chin, and back.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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When the weather turns chilly, plants naturally enter a state of dormancy and draw energy down from their leaves and stems into their roots, which helps plants survive the cold without damage.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seconds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seconds. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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