1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
the primary concern for many house hunters is the asking price
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the movie's primary screenwriter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in preliminary
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
a few minutes of primary instruction in the use of our diving gear before we actually got into the water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of primary
Fortunately, the various streaming platforms that ride sidecar with the primary ratings engine of TV are recapturing a healthy percentage of the younger crowd who represent the future of sports consumption.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025
About one-third of American workers now earn income from a source other than a traditional nine-to-five job, whether this is their primary occupation or a side hustle.
—Liya Palagashvili, National Review, 11 July 2025
Gilbert, of course, played Laura Ingalls (later Laura Ingalls Wilder), the primary figure in the epic family adventure based on Wilder's memoirs, published in the 1930s and '40s.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 10 July 2025
The second floor has the primary suite, which is large and has a private balcony that overlooks the grounds.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025
About one-third of American workers now earn income from a source other than a traditional nine-to-five job, whether this is their primary occupation or a side hustle.
—Liya Palagashvili, National Review, 11 July 2025
Gilbert, of course, played Laura Ingalls (later Laura Ingalls Wilder), the primary figure in the epic family adventure based on Wilder's memoirs, published in the 1930s and '40s.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 10 July 2025
The second floor has the primary suite, which is large and has a private balcony that overlooks the grounds.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
These tickets have to be redeemed at the Florida Lottery main office in Tallahassee or one of the district offices.—
David J. Neal
July 6,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
-
The Michigan woman’s family told PEOPLE that one particular food — the potato — is a main contributing factor to her living a long life.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Neither the oils nor systemic insecticides give immediate control of adult whiteflies.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
-
Business Investment Gets Turbocharged Unlimited bonus depreciation remains intact, allowing immediate expensing of qualifying equipment and improvements.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
But the chief investment officer of Seymour Asset Management sees Apple’s multiple as the biggest issue.—
Siena Griffin,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
-
In a new Fortune opinion piece, Marco Argenti, Goldman’s chief information officer, argues that companies should empower young professionals with AI skills to help shape strategy.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The preliminary assessment, released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, comes 30 days after the fatal crash, following guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency that recommends practices for the industry.—
Tribune News Service,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
-
The judge set a preliminary injunction hearing for July 24, in which both sides will argue the merits of the case.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
-
Automated processes for service eligibility, resource allocation and outcome tracking direct aid to those who need it most, quickly and efficiently.—
Daniel Brillman,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
First launched in 1985, FIBO has become one of the earth’s foremost fitness and wellness-focused trade shows, with roughly 130,000 participants set to convene in Cologne, Germany in April 2026.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Ziegler, one of the world’s foremost experts on the history and law of reproductive rights in the U.S., draws on decades of scholarship.—
David L. Coddon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
-
Israel and Hamas were to begin negotiations on the cease-fire’s second phase in early February, but only preparatory talks have been held.—
Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But this is not the predominant architectural style found in all of Cincinnati's neighborhoods, explained Cincinnati Preservation Association executive director Beth Johnson, a working group member.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
There's near universal agreement that pay is a predominant factor in attracting and retaining teachers ― either to other schools or to other professions.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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