second best

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The second best time to vlog … is after 48 hours of work and travel with no sleep,” he joked in one late-night video, “I think that’s how the saying goes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

"It's too tough a game to be turning up for an opponent and being second best," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

It’s a bit like that saying: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

Her favorite proverb, which is included in the book, is this: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

Poppy had always been the leader, the more popular one, the one adults trusted more, and Seven was always second best.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega