A bench-warmer is someone who is a substitute player and remains on the bench throughout the game. Some synonymous terms for the word bench-warmer include a backup, a second-stringer, a sideline sitter, a reserve player, and a non-starter. These terms are used interchangeably in sports to describe players who are ready to play if required, but typically don't get a chance to get on the field of play. Additionally, terms like bench-rider, fringe player, utility player, and squad player are sometimes used to describe someone who can make a valuable contribution to the team without necessarily being a primary player. Ultimately, these terms are all used to describe a player who is not a regular starter on a team.