play second fiddle

VERB

obey

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accept adhere to carry out comply embrace execute heed live by observe surrender

STRONG

accede accord acquiesce agree answer assent concur discharge follow fulfill keep mind perform respond serve submit

WEAK

abide by act upon be loyal to be ruled by bow to do as one says do one's bidding do one's duty do what is expected do what one is told get in line give way hold fast knuckle under take orders toe the line

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decline deny disregard forget ignore leave miss neglect overlook refuse reject

STRONG

argue ask differ disagree disallow disapprove disobey dispute dissent fail object oppose protest question

WEAK

mutiny rebel

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.

When Tesla reports quarterly earnings on Wednesday, the numbers could once again play second fiddle to narrative details about the company’s futuristic forays into robotaxis and humanoid robots.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Words play second fiddle to the many stunning photographs of a seemingly ageless Ms. Parton in “Star of the Show.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

It simultaneously makes me sad to think of robbing him of something that makes him feel good about himself, but also really bugs me that he expects me to just play second fiddle.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2024

But Reeves said he hadn’t intended for his band to play second fiddle to his acting career.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

"She's not the sort to play second fiddle evidently," grumbled Maude Helm a trifle enviously.

From The Leader of the Lower School A Tale of School Life by Campbell, John

play second fiddle

Example Sentences

Related Words