SECONDARY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

secondary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-kən-ˌder-ē

Definition of secondary

as in derivative

taken or created from something original or basic history textbooks are secondary sources for historical information and do not represent original research

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in minor

of little or less value or merit we need to focus on getting the groceries bought and the rent paid—everything else is secondary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

secondary

2 of 2

noun

as in dependent

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of secondary

Adjective

That is why Saturday’s challenge extends beyond preventing Harris from catching a 40-yard pass over the top of the secondary. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 The men were accused of having secondary roles in the scheme and were not charged with having a direct role. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

Miami's young secondary was exploited by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, both lines were overmatched physically, and the offense was inconsistent. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Of course, cornerback Josh Jobe picking off Maye with 21 seconds to go was the cherry on top for this secondary, which recorded three takeaways. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secondary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secondary

Adjective

This summer, McCurdy told a committee of Georgia lawmakers that such derivative products have a high potential for abuse and are causing deaths in his state.

— Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 1 Sep. 2026
The best solution, their letter said, would be to avoid imposing tariffs on semiconductors and derivative products entirely.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of derivative

Adjective

Once in orbit at L2, only minor burns once every 28 days are needed for station keeping — a negligible amount of fuel.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Everyone wants better decisions, particularly when their own team is on the wrong end of an injustice, minor or major.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

Teams — worried about how a politically defiant Black quarterback on the roster would impact their bottom lines — over the next several seasons signed dozens of inferior quarterbacks to round out their depth charts.

— Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Luckily for the Hurricanes, the rest of their game on defense has held up against a pair of inferior opponents.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of inferior

Noun

Investigators have accused one of his subordinates of running a fraud scheme, though Kravchenko himself has not been charged or named a suspect.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Additionally, while there are government rules against federal employees accepting gifts from subordinates or officials who make less than themselves, subordinates are not barred from receiving gifts from superiors.

— Kristin Brown, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Adjective

Those movies are mean and funny, while this one is just mean.

— Katie Rife, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Sally and Gillian blend up some mean frozen margaritas — a Frances and Jet tradition — during the reception, which is held on the old house’s moonlit lawn.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of mean

Noun

Olivia followed in his footsteps playing juniors and high school tennis at Portledge School on Long Island.

— Lukas Weese, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Students entered the program as juniors, spending Wednesday evenings through the academic year inside Condé Nast offices while balancing classes, sports, and other extracurriculars.

— Regan Toriello, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of junior

Noun

Nearly a year ago, the Louvre itself was the subject of a major heist in which $102 million worth of crown jewels were stolen in broad daylight from the Galerie d’Apollon, not far from the Mona Lisa.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
La Bola Negra became the subject of a competitive bidding war following its world premiere in Cannes, where Los Javis were awarded the fest’s best director prize for the film in a tie with Paweł Pawlikowski for Fatherland.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026