ANCILLARY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

ancillary

adjective

Definition of ancillary

as in secondary

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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 ancillary Leaving aside the comics, tie-books, video games, and other ancillary delights of exploiting successful IP, there’s the Netflix show, of course. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026 The tepid box-office returns mean the studio is now expected to lose at least $150 million on the film, including ancillary revenue streams such as premium video-on-demand and streaming, industry sources said. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 For Netanyahu and his far-right government, the immiseration of Gaza is not ancillary but central to Israel’s strategy. — Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026 And Michael Rishawn almost steals the show with his delicious comic turn as the restaurant host, as well as other ancillary characters. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancillary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancillary

Adjective

Although the Patriots secondary faces a tough matchup against Jordan Love, the Pack has had had trouble against better defensive units with their inability to get anything going on the ground, even with Josh Jacobs back.

— Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
The chocolatey all-suede style was first released in October 2023 and has become increasingly difficult to track down over the years, with certain sizes commanding premium prices on the secondary market.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of secondary

Adjective

The idea is that such a highly portable system can be quickly installed on auxiliary vessels, patrol ships, and merchant marine ships.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
Among other efforts, the museum recently broke ground on Wonder Works, an auxiliary building where exhibits can be both created and repaired for the museum.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of auxiliary

Adjective

Even under mayoral control in New York City, the city is largely responsible for the public schools’ budget and the mayor appoints not only the chancellor and a majority of school board members but also subordinate superintendents and staff.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Everything remains subordinate to the leader’s needs and whims.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Adjective

This particular set of remains—46 crania stored at Cambridge University—came from the Umm el-Qaab cemetery, which contains subsidiary burials presumed to be retainers of deceased First Dynasty rulers.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
Drugmakers could potentially list the address for their headquarters or a subsidiary location in the United States rather than a factory overseas.

— Naisha Roy, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of subsidiary

Adjective

When viewers focus on one gear, the other, as seen through peripheral vision, appears to spin faster — though both are moving at the same speed.

— Margaret Hetherman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
But dependency theorists took a more pessimistic view of the possibility of economic development in peripheral countries under global capitalism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of peripheral

Adjective

The Mets are running back the second-half team with some supplementary and complementary help.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
But that claim is difficult to reconcile with the disproportionate representation of certain groups among those deleted from supplementary lists issued for some constituencies after an adjudication process.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of supplementary

Adjective

Noel said classrooms could be temporarily moved to cooler spaces or provided fans, and that a supplemental cooling unit had been ordered.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Nov. 2026
Cosm’s entertainment offerings present the original film untouched in a frame that may shift around the screen, but accentuates it with supplemental, CGI content that helps flesh out environments.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of supplemental

Adjective

But gerrymanders can be effective beyond marginal, targeted districts.

— Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2026
Execution Is Being Repriced, But Judgment Is Not Generative tools have collapsed the marginal cost of producing and distributing content with streamlined drafting, variation, translation, scheduling and just sheer volume.

— Agung Dwi Sandi, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of marginal

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ancients

ancillary

androgynous

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“Ancillary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancillary. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of ancillary

adjective

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