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

Although some of the Westerners who engaged in lucrative business in Russia expressed concern over Putin’s unchallenged primacy in presiding over the arbitrary redistribution of property and the rapid consolidation of state ownership, the squeamish were far outnumbered by the opportunistic. —Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

Jennifer obviously loves Fernando but protecting her wealth and reputation and position in her family orbit takes primacy, to her own toxified detriment. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025

And 1989 was also when nationalism began to reclaim its political primacy in the former Yugoslavia. —Ivan Krastev, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025

In recent years, balancing the books has taken primacy over investment in the squad. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024

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