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
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 primary
Waters that flow through or next to parks and residential areas or support primary contact recreation such as kayaking, canoeing, boating and jet and water skiing that requires immersion and entails the likelihood of water ingestion are also protected.
—
Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Regarding Thursday's vote, the White House press secretary has said the president may be open to backing primary challengers against Republicans who opposed the bill, signaling a growing intolerance for dissent within the party.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The suite also has something that’s rarely seen: a 4,400-pound marble tub in the primary bathroom.
—Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Arriving first responders conducted a primary assessment of the scene and learned that two people were trapped in a Toyota Corolla, officials said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Regarding Thursday's vote, the White House press secretary has said the president may be open to backing primary challengers against Republicans who opposed the bill, signaling a growing intolerance for dissent within the party.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The suite also has something that’s rarely seen: a 4,400-pound marble tub in the primary bathroom.
—Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Arriving first responders conducted a primary assessment of the scene and learned that two people were trapped in a Toyota Corolla, officials said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
It was later expanded to include four main ventilation channels (and some 50,000 smaller shafts) serving seven levels, which could be closed off from the inside with a large rolling stone.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 May 2025
-
Cities To Visit Hood River Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is also one of the gorge’s main hubs for dining, shopping, and stays.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
The agreement also calls for the immediate launch of follow-up negotiations toward securing a permanent ceasefire as well as the release of all remaining hostages, living and dead.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
-
There was an immediate sense of trust, Burgos remembers.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
The best thing small businesses can do right now is to be flexible and diversify their sourcing and procurement strategies, says Tala Akhavan, chief operating officer of Pietra, a platform that helps brands with sourcing, production and logistics among other services.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
-
Michael serves as co-executive chair of Rhode’s board and Lauren is President and chief brand officer.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Police said their preliminary investigation indicates that the unidentified teen was handling a gun while recording her social media video when the firearm went off and struck her in the upper body.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Investigators at the time said preliminary evidence suggested a murder-suicide — an outcome their family members refused to believe.—
Javon Huynh,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Read Next Business Charlotte airport adds airline for first direct route from NC to the Middle East May 16, 2025 9:05 AM Still, from Thursday, May 22, through next Tuesday, Charlotte Douglas is anticipating more than 970,000 passenger arrivals and departures, according to the airport.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 May 2025
-
Steiner serves on the board of FedEx, a direct USPS competitor.—
Hailey Branson-Potts,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Mark Morgan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Cruise emerged as Hollywood's foremost advocate for the theatrical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters across the globe were staring down an uncertain future.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Pade paints directly onto the canvas without a preparatory drawing, often smudging areas of the canvas with a cloth at the end of a day in her Paris studio.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
The Club World Cup then starts on June 14, while some teams are likely to organise preparatory exhibition games ahead of the competition.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Mercantilism had been the predominant economic model of the prior two centuries, advocating for trade surpluses with all nations.—
Sarah Keohane Williamson,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
Fedde was using a steady four-pitch mix, with his sinker being the predominant pitch.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share