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

The ways in which the Internet operates give primacy to controversial and inflammatory content. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

Following the Nuremberg trials, Ferencz dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the primacy of the law. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026

Any bold idea for the future of Chicago and its transportation system should question the primacy of personal vehicles. —Gia Biagi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

This is a case study in the failure of shareholder primacy. —Paul Polman, Fortune, 14 Mar. 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