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
T. R. McConnell2
: the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate
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
What happens if the rule of law becomes more procedural than real, if the legislature can no longer constrain a powerful executive, if rhetoric loses any connection with reality, and if oligarchs, politicians, and special interests use money and violence to compete for primacy?
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In contrast, companies that retain the narrow mindset of shareholder primacy, which became popular in the 1980s and held on for decades, tend to underperform.
—Peter Georgescu, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Paris and London have invested billions in expanding their regional rail web, extending transit service, whittling down traffic, and shifting primacy to pedestrians.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
In 2023, the Whitney Museum and Menil Collection organized the first Asawa exhibition to examine the primacy of drawings in her practice, influenced by the former Bauhaus teacher and artist Josef Albers at Black Mountain.
—Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
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Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
In contrast, companies that retain the narrow mindset of shareholder primacy, which became popular in the 1980s and held on for decades, tend to underperform.
—Peter Georgescu, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Paris and London have invested billions in expanding their regional rail web, extending transit service, whittling down traffic, and shifting primacy to pedestrians.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
In 2023, the Whitney Museum and Menil Collection organized the first Asawa exhibition to examine the primacy of drawings in her practice, influenced by the former Bauhaus teacher and artist Josef Albers at Black Mountain.
—Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primacy
Cite this Entry
“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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