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
Heller notes that restraint matters too—excessive throw pillows can make a primary bedroom feel fussy.
—
Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
The villa includes five bedrooms in total, with the primary suite conveniently located on the ground floor.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
Both series are produced by Fuzzy Door, with MacFarlane as executive producer and primary voice actor.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
After Tuesday’s primary election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, Democrat Shawn Harris will face Republican Clay Fuller for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s old congressional seat.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for primary
Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
The villa includes five bedrooms in total, with the primary suite conveniently located on the ground floor.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
Both series are produced by Fuzzy Door, with MacFarlane as executive producer and primary voice actor.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026
After Tuesday’s primary election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, Democrat Shawn Harris will face Republican Clay Fuller for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s old congressional seat.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
Tucked away off Lagos’ Admiralty Way main road, you’d be forgiven for mistaking its polite green exterior for something residential upon viewing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
-
This main compartment is also lined with pockets that are perfect for storing small eye shadow palettes or bronzers.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What was once a relatively direct connection between continents is becoming a patchwork of workarounds.—
Zach Levitt,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The consensus was that the most important thing was to avoid direct contact between the baby’s skin and the patch.—
Heather Grossmann,
Parents,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At the end of his 24-hour overtime shift, Mullen handed the reins to Battalion Chief Mario Garcia, recommending that the incoming chief scope out the fire perimeter.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Nicole Kidman doesn’t tremble or get squeamish putting on the white lab coat of Kay Scarpetta, chief medical examiner at the heart of Patricia Cornwell's series of crime thriller novels, now adapted for a Prime Video show by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Three people were killed in as many crashes on Arkansas roads from Monday to Wednesday, according to preliminary police reports.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Fanning has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 25.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When a fire alarm fails, a sprinkler system shuts down, or a fire marshal issues a violation notice, businesses often face immediate safety and compliance concerns.—
Matthew Kayser,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The response in her comments was immediate and effusive.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Daniel Yergin, one of the world’s foremost energy experts, notes how China has become resilient in a different way, by pouring oil into storage for a rainy day.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Over the course of less than two decades, stop-motion animation house Laika has established itself as of one of the foremost makers of the beloved artform.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Before the performance, students participate in several preparatory rehearsals.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
-
This is common practice in modern warfare and an essential preparatory step before kinetic actions.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And what’s so predominant is the characters are no bigger than the story.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Dark green is the predominant color in this manicure even though a black shade serves as the base.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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