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 relative ease of his operation to remove Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan President, from office likely convinced him of the overwhelming primacy of American power. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026

No rival great power has seriously challenged American primacy—not even China, which has been content to sit back and take advantage of the economic opportunities made possible by the American provision of security. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

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

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