: one that is below or after the best
: in second place
Examples of second-best in a Sentence
Noun
He won't settle for second best.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
The Chiefs would tie the Chargers for the No. 6 seed — and sit a game back of the Patriots/Broncos for the second-best record in the AFC — with a victory.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Marvel has made clear that the studio is preparing the Fantastic Four’s most iconic nemesis, Dr. Doom, for a forthcoming film, but the planet-obliterating combo of Galactus and Silver Surfer hardly feel like second best.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 July 2025
Mark Carey, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Among the challenges for the second best-selling female artist of all time?
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for second-best
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Adjective
It was also ranked second-best among middle schools in North Carolina, rankings show.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
The Chiefs would tie the Chargers for the No. 6 seed — and sit a game back of the Patriots/Broncos for the second-best record in the AFC — with a victory.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
In a post, the 16-year-old explains how what should have been a joyful celebration turned into yet another reminder of how his family dynamics leave him feeling second best.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Marvel has made clear that the studio is preparing the Fantastic Four’s most iconic nemesis, Dr. Doom, for a forthcoming film, but the planet-obliterating combo of Galactus and Silver Surfer hardly feel like second best.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 July 2025
Adverb
Spurs are third in the Premier League table after seven games and have the joint-second best defensive record.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Among the challenges for the second best-selling female artist of all time?
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for second-best
Cite this Entry
“Second-best.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-best. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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