1
as in decent
of average to below average quality
a second-rate song from a songwriter who has done much better
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inferior
of little or less value or merit
a second-rate company that was never considered among the top manufacturers of televisions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cheap
of low quality
second-rate goods specifically manufactured for the low end of the market
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of second-rate
The Trojans still had few postseason options available to them beyond a second-rate bowl game.
—
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
Virtual meetings aren’t just second-rate versions of the in-person kind.
—William Arruda, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
According to projections by the International Energy Agency, Russia will forgo more than $1 trillion in oil and gas revenues by 2030, relegating the country to a second-rate energy power.
—Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Feb. 2023
For some philosophers, hope is a second-rate way of relating to reality.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for second-rate 
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
Virtual meetings aren’t just second-rate versions of the in-person kind.
—William Arruda, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
According to projections by the International Energy Agency, Russia will forgo more than $1 trillion in oil and gas revenues by 2030, relegating the country to a second-rate energy power.
—Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Feb. 2023
For some philosophers, hope is a second-rate way of relating to reality.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for second-rate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second-rate
Adjective
-
Many people who celebrated (or joked about the murder) had been hurt by callus policies that made CEOs richer while their family members could not access decent health care.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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Rocky has been adamant in declaring his innocence, refusing what many considered a decent plea deal before the trial got underway.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, while there may still be a secular public school in this community, if only a small handful of students attend this traditional public school, that school will most likely lack the resources of the Lutheran school, and will offer an inferior education.—
Ian Millhiser,
Vox,
28 Jan. 2025
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The period’s stucco product, the common alternative to wood for exteriors, was inferior to today’s, carrying only a one-hour fire rating.—
Richard Olsen,
Forbes,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The cheapest ticket on the resale market was $153 but it was located nearly on top of the arena.—
Scott Dochterman,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
-
After paying, customers might receive a cheap, non-functional plastic device, or sometimes nothing at all.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
In the mediocre East, the Bulls are good enough to have at least a shot at the postseason.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
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Walsh and his defensive coordinator, George Seifert, correctly diagnosed Miami’s mediocre running game.—
Mark Purdy,
The Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Charging documents for Darien pointed to four unnamed minor victims.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Jan. 2025
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The three teens, whose identities have not been released due to their minor status, are all being held at Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Facility.—
Christina Coulter,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Lopetegui was eventually sacked on January 8, having failed to fix West Ham’s poor form.—
Roshane Thomas,
The Athletic,
5 Feb. 2025
-
Though Osbourne had a farewell tour set to begin in 2023, he was forced to cancel the shows due to poor health.—
Rosa Rahimi,
CNN,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But the federal investigation was not satisfactory to many of King’s family members and associates, who knew of the FBI’s years-long investigation of the minister, and Director J. Edgar Hoover’s obsession with him as a potential communist influence.—
Andy Rose,
CNN,
25 Jan. 2025
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By applying enough pressure now, the thinking goes, Ukraine and its backers can enter talks from a favorable position, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be forced to engage in good-faith negotiations that end in a satisfactory settlement.—
Alexandra Prokopenko,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Charisma Carpenter isn’t defending her Buffy the Vampire Slayer character’s mean spirit!—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
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According to the research, the mean return for repeat sale pairs of artworks last spring was almost zero, the lowest since 2000.—
George Nelson,
ARTnews.com,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near second-rate
Cite this Entry
“Second-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second-rate. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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