primer

noun

ˈpri-mər How to pronounce primer (audio)
Definition of primernext
as in handbook
a book used for instruction in a subject a primer of human anatomy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of primer From a primer on optimizing your content for AI answer engines, to an explainer on the value of hiring—or waiting on hiring—a publicist, to advice for growing a social media following, consider this your playbook for marketing in 2027. — Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026 Use a primer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep dry skin or flakiness at bay. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 3 July 2026 Safe to say, the primer is now an everyday must-have in my routine. — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 July 2026 Turning to American football, which has had a presence in England for a number of years, William said the sport is getting more popular in the island nation but noted that Brits could use a primer on the rules. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for primer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primer
  1. handbook
  2. manual
  3. textbook
  4. text
Noun
  • Her concern is in the language being used in the handbooks and the policy draft.
    — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • Now, 15 years later, the law continues to guide district handbooks across Oregon.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Definition of handbook
Noun
  • The face is no longer supposed to be something that holds intimate, idiosyncratic human information; it has been reconfigured as a consumer guide and a disciplinary manual.
    — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026
  • The manual that came with the vehicle makes no reference to changing the timing belt.
    — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026
Definition of manual
Noun
  • The forthcoming book will tell American history through the lives of everyday people, especially those whose stories have often been left out of traditional textbooks.
    — Amara Evering, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Medical textbooks of the time said that operating on a human heart was too dangerous, and there was no precedent for opening the chest, longtime Tribune science and medical reporter Ronald Kotulak wrote more than a century later.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of textbook
Noun
  • These stories were reprinted in Scottish and English botanical texts, and Henrietta would have known about the obscene ideas connected with the mushroom.
    — Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026
  • The exception is my husband’s parents, especially my father-in-law, who does not accept Avery’s identity and has criticized them about it in phone calls and texts.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 9 July 2026
Definition of text

Browse Nearby Words

primeness
primer
primers
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Cite this Entry

“Primer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primer. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on primer

Nglish: Translation of primer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about primer

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