Synonyms of primarily

primarily

adverb

prī-ˈmer-ə-lē 

1

as in originally

in the beginning

the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

• originally
• initially
• at first
• to start with
• firstly
• incipiently
• primitively

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• finally
• ultimately
• lastly

2

as in mainly

for the most part

ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mainly
• mostly
• chiefly
• predominantly
• largely
• principally
• basically
• generally
• substantially
• usually
• normally
• typically
• partly
• in general
• commonly
• most
• on the whole
• partially
• practically
• by and large
• altogether
• overall
• broadly
• virtually
• frequently
• nearly
• approximately
• somewhat
• roughly
• ordinarily
• rather
• more or less
• much
• some
• next to
• about
• plus or minus
• well-nigh
• nigh
• near
• incompletely

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• entirely
• wholly
• fully
• completely
• perfectly
• totally
• thoroughly
• just
• hardly
• barely
• scarcely
• minimally
• absolutely
• marginally
• categorically
• unqualifiedly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of primarily

Most homeowners – Democrats and Republicans alike – say the state’s vaunted 2022-23 property insurance overhaul has primarily benefited the insurance industry, not the consumers who were promised relief. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Research from Brookings similarly concludes that economic policy—not primarily gender bias or discrimination—was the leading force behind Latino men’s 2024 voting behavior. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

While Gutenberg and Richter focused primarily on theory, Benioff concentrated on instrumentation. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2026

The 2026 Chiefs are set up well with two promising young cornerbacks in Mansoor Delane and Williams, which has left Sneed primarily in the slot. — Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026