1
2
as in immediate
done or working without something else coming in between a crop failure that was the primary cause of the famine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in preliminary
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows a few minutes of primary instruction in the use of our diving gear before we actually got into the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of primary Fortunately, the various streaming platforms that ride sidecar with the primary ratings engine of TV are recapturing a healthy percentage of the younger crowd who represent the future of sports consumption. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025 About one-third of American workers now earn income from a source other than a traditional nine-to-five job, whether this is their primary occupation or a side hustle. Liya Palagashvili, National Review, 11 July 2025 Gilbert, of course, played Laura Ingalls (later Laura Ingalls Wilder), the primary figure in the epic family adventure based on Wilder's memoirs, published in the 1930s and '40s. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 10 July 2025 The second floor has the primary suite, which is large and has a private balcony that overlooks the grounds. James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
  • These tickets have to be redeemed at the Florida Lottery main office in Tallahassee or one of the district offices.
    David J. Neal July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
  • Meander along the Big Bend Scenic Byway and stop along main streets and pull-offs that look interesting.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Neither the oils nor systemic insecticides give immediate control of adult whiteflies.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Business Investment Gets Turbocharged Unlimited bonus depreciation remains intact, allowing immediate expensing of qualifying equipment and improvements.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stephanie Martz, the NRF’s chief administrative officer and general counsel, said the lawsuit infringes on retailers’ rights.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 7 July 2025
  • Suno, one of the most prominent AI music generation companies in the industry, has hired former Atlantic Records general manager/executive vice president Paul Sinclair as chief music officer, the company announced on Monday.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The court will hold another hearing soon to decide if a longer preliminary injunction on the LAPD should be imposed.
    Alexandra Koch , Bill Mears, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • About 96% of votes cast were in favor of the merger agreement proposal, according to a preliminary tally released Friday morning at a special meeting of shareholders.
    Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • In direct sunlight for the 6 pm kickoffs, things have been even more difficult.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • First launched in 1985, FIBO has become one of the earth’s foremost fitness and wellness-focused trade shows, with roughly 130,000 participants set to convene in Cologne, Germany in April 2026.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Paul, a foremost Republican critic against Trump’s tariff policy, said the latest tariff, which Trump said would go into effect Aug. 1, could lead to a slippery slope that harms the U.S.’s economic standing and Wall Street.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Arsenal have their own preparatory plans in Singapore and Hong Kong, while Liverpool and Barcelona are both travelling to Japan, among other countries.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Each participant had, before receiving the psilocybin dose, undergone two preparatory therapy sessions.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rivera is especially excited by the National Music Theater Conference this year since truly original work is developed there in contrast to the predominant commercial theater trend of basing musicals closely on classic movies or novels.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • That is clearly what happened in this redistricting in Louisiana where race was the predominant factor used to draw congressional boundaries.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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