second only to

phrase

: only less important than (something or someone)
Rice is second only to corn as the state's major crop.

Examples of second only to in a Sentence

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.
At that rate, Big Tech is on pace for one of its worst 12-month periods since 2013, second only to 2022, the strategist found. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Houston is second only to Texas Tech in production returning from last season, with the Cougars featuring senior quarterback Conner Weigman and all-conference receiver Amare Thomas. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 The steals were his 28th and 29th of the season (second only to Esteury Ruiz’s 29) and team-leading 11th and 12th since the All-Star break. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 His eight goals put him second only to Kylian Mbappe on 10 (two of which came in France’s third-place play-off), alongside four assists. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for second only to

Rhymes for second only to

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Browse Nearby Words

second officer
second only to
second opinion
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Cite this Entry

“Second only to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second%20only%20to. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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