as in handbook
a book used for instruction in a subject
a primer of human anatomy
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Recent Examples of primer
All of the product names are fun nods to Old Hollywood, like Camera Ready, a hydrating primer; Luminous Brightening, a vitamin C cream-serum; Satin Resurfacing, an AHA/PHA exfoliating serum; and Take One Cleansing Honey, a facial cleanser.
—
Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Here’s a primer for six of the best.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
First, apply the primer and strengthener onto clean, bare nails to prepare for your manicure.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
The brand promises the primer won’t cause a white cast or pilling either—just do your skin care, and slather it on before your makeup.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for primer
Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Here’s a primer for six of the best.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
First, apply the primer and strengthener onto clean, bare nails to prepare for your manicure.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
The brand promises the primer won’t cause a white cast or pilling either—just do your skin care, and slather it on before your makeup.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for primer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primer
Noun
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Organizers of the protest printed a handbook for demonstrators that included a map of the security perimeter, tips on how to gear up for the march, and advice on how to behave if detained by police.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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As the plane landed, the 56 passengers were thrown about the cabin and injured, as well as exposed to hazardous chemicals from the fire, the handbook said.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Noun
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In one engraving from van Deventer’s manual, his arm is shown inserted into an empty uterus almost up to the elbow, the engraver’s close, texturing lines transforming his hand into a radiating light within a cavernous female darkness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
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First, Alfano recommends that drivers check their vehicle's manual to see what kind of motor oil the manufacturer recommends.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
16 June 2026
Noun
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Tracking your own cycle for several months gives a more accurate picture than relying on the textbook average.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
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With precise steering, predictable handling, and an available slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, this Miata is a textbook topless sports car.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Noun
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The full text of the senators’ letter is at this link.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
19 June 2026
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The tower’s top is wrapped in blocky text — an excerpt from a 2015 speech that Obama gave to mark the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches that Obama has described as one of his most meaningful.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Primer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primer. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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