Synonyms of peripheral

peripheral

adjective

pə-ˈri-f(ə-)rəl 

as in auxiliary

available to supply something extra when needed

the IT consultant suggested that we update the drivers for all of the computer's peripheral devices

Synonyms & Similar Words

• auxiliary
• additional
• accessory
• supplementary
• makeshift
• supplemental
• appurtenant
• accessorial
• complementary
• further
• added
• contributory
• backup
• supportive
• subordinate
• secondary
• assisting
• assistant
• another
• tributary
• excess
• superfluous
• subsidiary
• surplus
• substitute
• nonessential
• dispensable
• helping
• unessential
• adjuvant
• subservient

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• main
• principal
• chief
• basic
• primary
• fundamental
• prime
• necessary
• essential
• integral
• vital
• imperative
• required
• requisite
• all-important
• indispensable
• needed
• needful

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of peripheral

People with severe peripheral artery disease or a current or suspected deep vein thrombosis should avoid them because compression can restrict blood flow or dislodge a clot. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Yoane Wissa was largely peripheral while Joe Willock’s profile does not quite appear to fit the No 10 role he has been tasked with. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Far from being peripheral, the state catalysed the AI revolution by taking early bets on technologies that would only become commercially viable decades later. — Mariana Mazzucato, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Gay desire has been more peripheral to his work, and is usually shadowed by danger. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026