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 But all of that distaste was supposed to go away when the games began, when the undefeated and delicious product that is college football finally got the chance to shove the ancillary stuff back into the shadows. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 While these situations typically involve a primary and an ancillary option, other relievers may be used. — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 In popular music especially, the authentic artifact is now the recording, while a live performance is typically an ancillary experience. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Data from Circana shows that during the first half of the year, eaux de parfum saw the strongest performance, though on the other end of the pricing and intensity spectrum, so did ancillary products like soaps, creams and shower gels. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ancillary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ancillary

Adjective

While reading Elliott Baker’s 1971 book, Pocock and Pitt, Golod became intrigued by a secondary character named Adderly, an intelligence operative whose injured hand had altered the course of his career.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Expect to pay between $200,000 and $400,000 to pick one up on the secondary market.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of secondary

Adjective

Urán, an auxiliary magistrate of Colombia’s Council of State, was among the dead.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Weather data can be used to select cooling modes, which the company says cuts auxiliary power consumption during operation by 30% and standby consumption by 50%.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of auxiliary

Adjective

But a clerical establishment that once cultivated the military to buttress its rule may end up being subordinate to it.

— Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026
Bucks encounter rivals, or even subordinate deer, and make scrapes in a sudden display of strength.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Adjective

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
In August, Dick’s Sporting Goods cut its earnings forecast at subsidiary retailer Foot Locker for the rest of this year, saying lifestyle shoes simply aren’t resonating with consumers and will continue to sour through the holiday season.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of subsidiary

Adjective

Could this explain why so many of our most reputable creatives are exploring what was once peripheral, spoken of with disbelief, and envisioning it as another possible dimension of existence?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, reflecting a broader recognition that volunteerism is not peripheral to development.

— Deirdre White, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of peripheral

Adjective

The city’s financial participation agreement also includes a potential agreement to pay supplemental public safety costs related to the project for up to 15 years, according to city staff’s presentation.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
If Secord can’t take in enough calories or water, she may be placed in a medical habitat providing supplemental fluids, electrolytes and medication.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of supplemental

Adjective

Quan said this was another marginal change, noting that under Charter Amendment ER, approved by voters in 2024, the ethics commission can impose fines of up to $15,000.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
And for those marginal savings, many studies have found the schedule can hurt student achievement.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of marginal

Browse Nearby Words

ancients

ancillary

androgynous

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“Ancillary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ancillary. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ancillary

adjective

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