Synonyms of secondary

secondary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-kən-ˌder-ē 

1

as in derivative

taken or created from something original or basic

history textbooks are secondary sources for historical information and do not represent original research

Synonyms & Similar Words

• derivative
• secondhand
• resultant
• consequent
• unoriginal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• basic
• original
• fundamental
• first
• primary
• nonderivative

2

as in minor

of little or less value or merit

we need to focus on getting the groceries bought and the rent paid—everything else is secondary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• minor
• inferior
• smaller
• mean
• second-class
• lesser
• lower
• subordinate
• second-rate
• ordinary
• junior
• petty
• low-level
• inadequate
• average
• under
• common
• defective
• middling
• insufficient
• unsatisfactory
• wrong
• unacceptable
• deficient
• bad
• amiss
• fair
• littler
• slighter
• low-rent
• small-time
• jerkwater
• two-bit
• one-horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• higher
• greater
• primary
• major
• more
• superior
• senior
• prime
• exceptional
• first-class
• sufficient
• adequate
• select
• choice
• acceptable
• premium
• high-grade
• selected
• first-rate

secondary

2 of 2

noun

as in dependent

Related Words

• dependent
• subordinate
• junior
• subject
• inferior
• underling

Dissimilar Words

• master
• chief
• leader
• head
• captain
• boss
• foreman
• headman
• helmsman
• mistress
• general
• boss man
• kingpin
• director
• administrator
• executive
• taskmaster
• governor
• commander
• honcho
• directress
• jefe
• higher-up
• hierarch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of secondary

Adjective

Ballard earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Kansas in 2003. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026

Slap added that the registry could help make post-secondary education more accessible by making good information widely available to prospective students in the state. — Kat Ramkumar, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Noun

His running mate in the Kansas City secondary, Jaylen Watson, followed him a week later once free agency officially opened. — Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Or on defense, a pass rush that doesn’t let a secondary have to cover for too long, and a secondary that gives a pass rush time to get home. — Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 23 July 2026