seconds 1 of 3

Definition of secondsnext
plural of second

seconds

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of second
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

seconds

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of second

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
Noun
In a matter of 31 seconds, USC had cut a seemingly insurmountable lead to single digits. Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026 With an overall average time of 3 hours, 39 minutes and 28 seconds, Reed placed first among 16 women competing in the World Marathon Challenge, which celebrated its ninth edition this year with more than 50 total entrants. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2026 Serrano demonstrated how IdentIA conducts a tattoo search in a matter of seconds and enables cross-referencing with reports of missing persons. Karen Esquivel, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 The results, the official said, were near-simultaneous strikes, within 60 seconds of one another, in three locations 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) from Israel that killed Khamenei and some 40 senior figures, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard and the country’s defense minister. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 Giarusso was fouled on the Saints’ following possession and made both free throws to move the Crean Lutheran lead to 57-52 with 47 seconds remaining. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026 Olympic downhill champion Breezy Johnson was nearly three seconds off the pace in 30th. ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026 Minnesota was 0 for 4 on the power play, including 54 seconds of 5-on-3 in the third period. CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026 Two-time Olympic champion Federica Brignone was more than two seconds off the lead. Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seconds
Verb
  • The company assists with common relief options such as Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatement and currently not collectible (CNC) status, as well as innocent spouse relief, bank levy assistance, back-tax filing and tax representation.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
  • But the company now has 100 merchants that have expressed interest in leveraging the technology, which assists retail teams in making decisions across price optimization, merchandising, assortment planning and marketing.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Heart Health The potassium in prunes also aids in regulating blood pressure.
    Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Knox used to serve on a volunteer board overseeing the local Crossroads Foundation, which aids women with substance use disorders.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The fund helps cover things like payroll and lease payments and prioritizes restaurants that don’t have a digital footprint or access to fundraising support.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Daily sun protection helps prevent further collagen breakdown, reduce pigmentation and dark spots, and protect against skin cancer.
    Allison Palmer Updated February 25, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seconds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seconds. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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