1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
the primary concern for many house hunters is the asking price
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the movie's primary screenwriter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of primary
The 449-foot blast, his second longest of the year, moved Goodman within three homers of matching the club record by a primary catcher (Wilin Rosario’s 28 in 2012).
—
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
With Van de Ven and Cristian Romero established as Spurs’ primary partnership in central defence, Vuskovic may struggle to supplant that duo for the biggest games.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
If voters choose to approve the measure, the real work begins for elections officials, who will need to update voter databases to meet the deadlines of a June primary election.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Townsend views one of his primary jobs as trying to help Crown Point win its first sectional championship since 2017.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
With Van de Ven and Cristian Romero established as Spurs’ primary partnership in central defence, Vuskovic may struggle to supplant that duo for the biggest games.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
If voters choose to approve the measure, the real work begins for elections officials, who will need to update voter databases to meet the deadlines of a June primary election.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Townsend views one of his primary jobs as trying to help Crown Point win its first sectional championship since 2017.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
The report outlined three main policy goals: improving student literacy, strengthening the teacher workforce, and empowering parents.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Blood of My Blood tells the origin stories of the Outlander main characters' families, in this epic romantic drama.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Roberson stuck her full-twisting double layout dismount without a flicker and to an immediate smile.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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As a result of the incident, one of the power lines fell into the water, prompting an evacuation of the immediate area as a precautionary measure, said Thompson.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The second was Bethany Dupree, now the chief financial officer at Spalding.—
Stephanie Kuzydym,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
-
In an email, Leila Santillán, the nonprofit’s chief operating officer, said the improvement in scores citywide was largely driven by gains in Fort Worth ISD.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That’s skipping over a June incident when a Starship rocket exploded while being loaded with methane and liquid oxygen propellant ahead of its launch — due, Musk later said, citing preliminary data, to problems in the payload bay.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
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While the new research is preliminary, the researchers believe this is a promising lead for further work to map its molecular mechanisms in order to develop the compound into therapeutics for trial.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Under the plan, workers and families would receive a rebate check, modeled on the direct payments issued by Congress in 2020 during the pandemic.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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To survive, many walk a tightrope: confident, but not too confident; straightforward, but not too direct; passionate, but not too emotional.—
Yann Dang,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
James DiNardo,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Cornell was the foremost beneficiary of the Morrill Act Both Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin are land-grant universities that profited from lands taken from Indigenous nations, as did at least 50 other universities throughout the U.S.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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To prepare for the frigid waters of Antarctica, Wigginton, a master scuba diver, plans to conduct some preparatory dives in Lake Huron at 60-90 feet, where water temperature is similar to the 25-foot goal in Antarctica.—
Lara Terpstra,
Freep.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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The other predominant design component is that her outdoor space is divided into multiple functional private spaces around the house.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
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The predominant effect that this law will have is to prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing their preferred firearm.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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