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
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 seconds
Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
Iowa’s All-Big Ten point guard Bennett Stirtiz missed a driving layup off the backboard with 11 seconds to go and his team trailing 71-70.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
Sophie Hart, who added 10 points, gave the Gophers their first lead since early in the third quarter with a determined drop-step to the basket for a short bank shot with 18 seconds left.
—Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Seasons are measured in seconds this time of year.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Ralph was shown where a treat is hidden and then allowed to go get it seconds later.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Rienk Mast tied the game with a putback with 37 seconds left, and Vanderbilt's Chandler Bing missed a shot to take a late lead.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
After the Heat closed to within 119-118, Reed Sheppard hit a running jumper with 12 seconds left, just before the shot clock expired.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Oklahoma’s Jaylin Williams and Washington’s Justin Champagnie began shoving each other after a basket by the Wizards with 27 seconds left in the second quarter.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
Your dinner plates will be scraped clean even faster, ready for seconds.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
Iowa’s All-Big Ten point guard Bennett Stirtiz missed a driving layup off the backboard with 11 seconds to go and his team trailing 71-70.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
Sophie Hart, who added 10 points, gave the Gophers their first lead since early in the third quarter with a determined drop-step to the basket for a short bank shot with 18 seconds left.
—Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Seasons are measured in seconds this time of year.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Ralph was shown where a treat is hidden and then allowed to go get it seconds later.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Rienk Mast tied the game with a putback with 37 seconds left, and Vanderbilt's Chandler Bing missed a shot to take a late lead.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026
After the Heat closed to within 119-118, Reed Sheppard hit a running jumper with 12 seconds left, just before the shot clock expired.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Oklahoma’s Jaylin Williams and Washington’s Justin Champagnie began shoving each other after a basket by the Wizards with 27 seconds left in the second quarter.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seconds
Verb
-
Holloway tallies assists and makes space off the dribble.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Last weekend, Smith set the Big Ten Tournament assists record while helping Purdue beat Michigan for the championship.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This element aids the MEU with support such as medical and dental assistance, motor transport, supply, equipment maintenance and landings.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Sleep aids all work to help relax your body and improve your sleep in different ways.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Winter rainfall, which helps support deep roots and healthy growth, also fell short.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The service While there isn’t a traditional concierge desk, the front desk team helps guests book activities and navigate the unique and buzzy local scene.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seconds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seconds. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
