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

But there’s experience in the secondary, which should help to contain Williams, at least enough to give the Crimson Tide the edge. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The defense turned in gritty performances early, but secondary depth issues and late-game stalls cost them crucial divisional matchups. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

The secondary has two possible shutdown corners for the first time too. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Seattle Seahawks The defending Super Bowl Champions lost their offensive coordinator, Super Bowl MVP, outside linebacker Boye Mafe, and Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen in the secondary. — Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secondary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secondary

Adjective

Even Cyrus’ freakishly long nails and eerie voice are derivative of other horror movie boogeymen, but without their grasp of the uncannily malevolent.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Gifford believes the results bear on the legal question of whether models’ outputs are merely derivative works, with implications for copyright.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of derivative

Adjective

That individual, who is a club employee, suffered a minor head injury and refused medical attention at the scene, fire officials said.

— Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Counter said the Bruin’s fire-alarm system is currently monitored, its emergency generator will be tested in the coming weeks, and several minor plumbing issues are being addressed.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of minor

Noun

Going to college doesn’t necessarily mean a student is no longer your dependent.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Spouses who file their taxes separately are not each able to claim the same dependent, said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group for federal student loan servicers.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependent

Adjective

But those three road losses were either in the postseason to a top-two team, at Oregon or the inexplicable 2024 loss to a far inferior Michigan team in The Game.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
The main disagreement centers on what the union says are inferior pay scales compared with nonunion workers.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of inferior

Noun

Impressive Humility with peers, and something else entirely with subordinates.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
The subordinate sent a spreadsheet reporting that more than 500,000 work-orders in the MTA system at the time had been closed out despite having no indication the work had been done.

— Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

Then came an ankle injury that sidelined him in 2024, followed by shoulder surgery as a junior that sidelined him in 2025.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Senior linebackers Arturo Zarinana and Brock Rubicz combined for 181 tackles and are joined by three other returning starters, all juniors, in the box.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of junior

Noun

West’s pregnancy became the subject of a legal battle after Rumi received his diagnosis, according to a July statement of interest filed in Alaska and reviewed by PEOPLE.

— Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
The correspondence that followed was equally persuasive, laying out the subjects the person identifying themselves as Gross intended to discuss with him, demonstrating what appeared to be deep, actual knowledge of Vilanch’s work.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026