Synonyms of secondary

secondary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-kən-ˌder-ē 

1

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

• derivative
• secondhand
• resultant
• consequent
• unoriginal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• basic
• original
• fundamental
• first
• primary
• nonderivative

2

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

• minor
• inferior
• smaller
• mean
• second-class
• lesser
• lower
• subordinate
• second-rate
• ordinary
• junior
• petty
• low-level
• inadequate
• average
• under
• common
• defective
• middling
• insufficient
• unsatisfactory
• wrong
• unacceptable
• deficient
• bad
• amiss
• fair
• littler
• slighter
• low-rent
• small-time
• jerkwater
• two-bit
• one-horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• higher
• greater
• primary
• major
• more
• superior
• senior
• prime
• exceptional
• first-class
• sufficient
• adequate
• select
• choice
• acceptable
• premium
• high-grade
• selected
• first-rate

secondary

2 of 2

noun

as in dependent

Related Words

• dependent
• subordinate
• junior
• subject
• inferior
• underling

Dissimilar Words

• master
• chief
• leader
• head
• captain
• boss
• foreman
• headman
• helmsman
• mistress
• general
• boss man
• kingpin
• director
• administrator
• executive
• taskmaster
• governor
• commander
• honcho
• directress
• jefe
• higher-up
• hierarch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of secondary

Adjective

The first hearing in this case happened last week, according to The Guardian, during which government attorneys and agents claimed that Tunick was subjected to a standard secondary interrogation at an international airport. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026

One of these standout features is a pair of secondary electron detectors that can simultaneously image the top and bottom surfaces of a sample in atomic detail. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

Noun

Snead notably acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 in a deal that included two first-round picks, securing the cornerstone of the secondary for a team that won a Super Bowl. — Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026

Defensively, the secondary is a potential glaring problem, a big deal. — Greg Cote may 20, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026