primacy

noun

pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē 

1

: the state of being first (as in importance, order, or rank) : preeminence

… the primacy of intellectual and esthetic over materialistic values.

—T. R. McConnell

2

: the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate

Synonyms of primacy

• dominance
• superiority
• distinction
• supremacy
• reputation

Examples of primacy in a Sentence

Civil law took primacy over religious law.

She has established primacy in her field of study.

Recent Examples on the Web

Neither dalliance threatens the primacy of the true central relationship. — Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

Ries advocates redesigning governance to prioritize stewardship, trust, and mission primacy, citing companies like Costco and Patagonia as examples of enduring success. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

This insistence on the primacy of IMAX can send the message that there’s only one true way to see the movie. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Much of the country has come to see its commitments to free trade, collective security, and global institutions not as sources of American primacy but as a raw deal—a way for the world to free-ride on American power. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English primacie, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmātia "office of a primate," from prīmāt-, prīmās "leading bishop in an ecclesiastical province, primate" + Latin -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

primacy

noun

pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē 

plural primacies

1

: the state of being first (as in time, place, or rank)

2

: the office or dignity of a bishop of the highest rank