Synonyms of primary

primary

adjective

ˈprī-ˌmer-ē 

1

as in main

coming before all others in importance

the primary concern for many house hunters is the asking price

Synonyms & Similar Words

• main
• greatest
• predominant
• highest
• dominant
• foremost
• first
• principal
• big
• key
• leading
• chief
• central
• supreme
• paramount
• cardinal
• overriding
• prior
• great
• premier
• primal
• sovereign
• master
• major
• capital
• number one
• overbearing
• top
• preeminent
• distinguished
• outstanding
• important
• grand
• overmastering
• notable
• senior
• arch
• noteworthy
• eminent
• illustrious
• signal
• high-level
• prestigious
• stellar
• superior
• numero uno
• influential
• significant
• star
• noble
• momentous
• mighty
• incomparable
• unparalleled
• famous
• renowned
• famed
• celebrated
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• secondary
• unimportant
• slight
• negligible
• trivial
• insignificant
• subordinate
• collateral
• inferior
• inconsequential
• trifling
• inconsiderable
• subsidiary

2

as in direct

done or working without something else coming in between

a crop failure that was the primary cause of the famine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• direct
• immediate
• empirical
• clinical
• firsthand
• unmediated
• efficient
• proximate
• hands-on

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indirect
• secondhand

3

as in chief

highest in rank or authority

the movie's primary screenwriter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chief
• foremost
• presiding
• commanding
• principal
• supreme
• top
• first
• leading
• lead
• senior
• high
• prime
• main
• premier
• head
• in charge
• preeminent
• predominant
• major
• high-level
• supereminent
• dominant
• supervisory
• managing
• paramount
• controlling
• upper
• predominate
• overseeing
• sovereign
• reigning
• directing
• ruling
• uppermost
• topmost
• superior
• ascendant
• officiating
• regnant
• grand
• upmost

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• secondary
• second
• last
• less
• lower
• lesser
• subordinate
• ancillary
• subsidiary
• inferior
• lowly
• assistant
• junior
• assisting
• under
• deputy
• coadjutor

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

• preliminary
• preparatory
• introductory
• preparative
• beginning
• prefatory
• precursory
• basic
• prelusive
• fundamental
• elementary
• prelim
• previous
• preparing
• early
• introducing
• warning
• preceding
• premonitory
• former
• readying
• ahead
• prior
• prefacing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• following
• subsequent
• after
• behind

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of primary

Siding with several Republican candidates, a 2-1 majority said the use of 2022 map was unconstitutional because the primary elections were held under the new map. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The primary suite also includes a massive dressing room and a private terrace that looks out on the city below. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

The district’s primary pathway partners include the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, the Professional Remodelers Collective and the National Institute of Construction Excellence. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

During the primary against Elliott, Lamont did not heed early warnings that the liberal lawmaker from Hamden was on track to qualify for a primary and public campaign financing unless the governor pushed back. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026