second-best

1 of 3

adjective

sec·​ond-best ˌse-kən(d)-ˈbest How to pronounce second-best (audio)
-kᵊŋ-
: next to the best

second best

2 of 3

noun

: one that is below or after the best

second best

3 of 3

adverb

: in second place

Examples of second-best in a Sentence

Noun He won't settle for second best.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The Thunder enter the weekend with the second-best record in the NBA, sitting with a 48-11 record and just percentage points behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 Charlotte recorded the second-best attendance in the league last season — behind only Atlanta, the team’s rival by location that made a flurry of signings and new personnel hires during the offseason. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
The Rams defense has not been great of late but has only given up seven plays of 20 or more yards (second best) the last four weeks. Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024 Vistra has more than tripled in value to become the second best performing stock in the S & P 500 this year, outpacing chip powerhouse Nvidia and trailing only Palantir Technologies . Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
Adverb
Among the challenges for the second best-selling female artist of all time? Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 When the year wrapped, Red was the second best-selling LP of 2012 with 3.11 million, following Adele's 21. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 18 June 2021 See All Example Sentences for second-best

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of second-best was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Second-best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-best. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

second-best

adjective
: next to the best
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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