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Definitions

second-hand

[sek-uhnd hand, sek-uhnd hand] / ˈsɛk ənd ˌhænd, ˈsɛk ənd ˈhænd /
ADJECTIVE
hand-me-down
Synonyms
WEAK
not new passed down previously owned reach-me-down secondhand used worn
ADJECTIVE
secondary
Synonyms
STRONG
auxiliary dependent resultant subordinate subsidiary
WEAK
borrowed consequent derivate derivational derived developed eventual indirect proximate resulting subsequent vicarious
Antonyms
STRONG
chief important necessary
WEAK
causative first-class first-rate primary source superior

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.

Proposals to ban the importation of second hand petrol and diesel cars from 2030 have been scrapped by the Environment Minister.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

People at Accrington's indoor car boot sale sell everything from records to second hand tools.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

But Felicity says she bought most of her decorations second hand.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

"A lot of people like browsing through second hand furniture and often find stuff which is as good as new for a quarter of the price."

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

The second hand on my watch would twitch once, and a year would pass, and then it would twitch again.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.