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
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Recent Examples of primary
The primary muscle, the biceps brachii, runs from the shoulder to the elbow and helps bend the elbow and rotate the forearm so your palm turns upward — a movement called supination.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Liberty said the company stopped viewing other cruise lines as their primary rivals years ago.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Jenkins is now the primary backup to Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Key Takeaways Macros (protein, carbs, and fat) are primary nutrients the human body needs in large amounts.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for primary
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Liberty said the company stopped viewing other cruise lines as their primary rivals years ago.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Jenkins is now the primary backup to Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Key Takeaways Macros (protein, carbs, and fat) are primary nutrients the human body needs in large amounts.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
Udmurtia’s main passenger airport, in the city of Izhevsk, and airports in nearby regions suspended operations early Saturday, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In that way, the end of his main career will allow his side-gig to become his new, full-time job.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s had a direct impact on patient numbers, Muthyala said.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The layoff notices, approved by a 4-3 vote, target central and regional office staff, who were described as providing direct and important services to schools.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rosen, who has been an executive vice president and chief marketing officer with the Dodgers since 2012 when Mark Walter and Guggenheim Baseball Management purchased the club, took over the Lakers job after Tim Harris resigned from that role.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Her husband also works for the two-person business as its chief political strategist.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The data are preliminary and may change over time as more reports are received.—
Koko Nakajima,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In January, after a six-day preliminary hearing, a Superior Court judge found there was sufficient evidence for the case against Price to go to trial.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Such speed-sensitive metamaterials have immediate applications in soft robotics.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Either way, their words likely have value beyond the immediate moment, so listen closely!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
About Artforum Artforum is the magazine of record for the contemporary art industry and holds the unique roles of institution, nexus, and foremost tastemaker of the art world.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Here are the foremost players who hit that category for the Broncos in 2026, according to OvertheCap.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
After studying his own practice, Licklider determined that as much as 85% of his intellectual work — such as searching for data, running calculations, testing conclusions, and synthesizing information — was fundamentally preparatory for deeper, more creative efforts.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
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But those who supported the proposal saw it as an opportunity to plan ahead for that possibility, signal the county's values and show solidarity with area residents who are fearful and asking for preparatory action.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the predominant response has been one of welcome, support and encouragement.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
10 Feb. 2026
-
For the past fifty years, the predominant theory held that our capacity to parse complicated syntax rested on specialized, innate faculties.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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