primacy

noun

ˈprī-mə-sē How to pronounce primacy (audio)
Definition of primacynext
as in dominance
the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance the primacy of calcium for building strong bones

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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 primacy This feels like the ultimate primacy problem that the Panthers have battled since 2024. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026 There are places to disagree with Rovelli, such as his neglect of the primacy of experience in considering how science is even possible. — Adam Frank, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026 The relative ease of his operation to remove Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan President, from office likely convinced him of the overwhelming primacy of American power. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 No rival great power has seriously challenged American primacy—not even China, which has been content to sit back and take advantage of the economic opportunities made possible by the American provision of security. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primacy
  1. dominance
  2. superiority
  3. distinction
  4. supremacy
  5. reputation
Noun
  • Von Dohlen, for his part, criticized 28 years of Democratic dominance on the five-member Commissioners Court, blaming county leadership for billions of dollars in debt.
    — Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Dior‘s dominance in the brand ranking was largely thanks to its creative director Jonathan Anderson, whose name appeared in 65 percent of Dior’s AI mentions, with 37 percent of those mentions pointed to a distinct identity for the house.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dominance
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which sees space superiority as essential to winning future wars, is developing a range of space capabilities as well as a suite of weapons that can attack satellites.
    — Kathleen Curlee, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Credibility is affected deeply by strategic cultural assessments about superiority and inferiority, and notions about when, where, how and for whom the credibility matters.
    — Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • This distinction is especially important for companies whose supply chains involve multiple countries, with raw materials, components, and finished goods crossing borders at different stages.
    — Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Advertisement Yet experts say the distinction between the two systems is not always clear, particularly given how closely their underlying technology and operations are connected.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • Lines that are too close together reinforce the author’s supremacy, gracelessly.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The stage is set for Georgia and Alabama to battle for early SEC supremacy, both with unbeaten records heading into next Saturday’s matchup in Tuscaloosa.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of supremacy
Noun
  • Few marques understand this better than Porsche, whose reputation was built not merely on performance figures, but on the connection its cars forge between driver and machine.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Since its independence in 1947, India has maintained a reputation for conducting free and fair elections.
    — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of reputation

Browse Nearby Words

prim
primacy
prima donna
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primacy. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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