primacy

noun

pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē 

1

: the state of being first (as in importance, order, or rank) : preeminence

the primacy of intellectual and esthetic over materialistic values

—T. R. McConnell

2

: the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate

Synonyms

• distinction
• dominance
• eminence
• noteworthiness
• paramountcy
• preeminence
• preponderance
• preponderancy
• prepotency
• prestigiousness
• superiority
• supremacy
• transcendence

Examples of primacy in a Sentence

Civil law took primacy over religious law.

She has established primacy in her field of study.

Recent Examples on the Web

But in an increasingly multipolar world, its primacy can no longer be taken for granted. —Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025

Time to admit Trump has forgotten about the primacy of the investor and is focused more on revenge than helping your 401(k). —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025

The primacy of this issue extends beyond any individual business, industry, or sector. —Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

The ultimate hedge may lie not in betting against America, but in recognising its primacy as relative, not absolute. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English primacie, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmātia "office of a primate," from prīmāt-, prīmās "leading bishop in an ecclesiastical province, primate" + Latin -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

primacy

noun

pri·​ma·​cy ˈprī-mə-sē 

plural primacies

1

: the state of being first (as in time, place, or rank)

2

: the office or dignity of a bishop of the highest rank