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
Examples 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
While the primary cause of these rifts is often tied to something a relative said or did, 1 in 5 directly cite political differences as the reason.
—
Joshua Coleman and Will Johnson, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
Earlier in the epidemic, prescription pills were the primary cause of death.
—CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
Poverty is often cited as the primary driver behind the practice.
—Ogar Monday, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024
Sequestered down a hallway is the primary bedroom, which flows to a bath equipped with dual vanities and a relaxing soaking tub tucked away next to a shower.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for primary 
Joshua Coleman and Will Johnson, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024
Earlier in the epidemic, prescription pills were the primary cause of death.
—CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
Poverty is often cited as the primary driver behind the practice.
—Ogar Monday, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024
Sequestered down a hallway is the primary bedroom, which flows to a bath equipped with dual vanities and a relaxing soaking tub tucked away next to a shower.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
-
The home's main entrance consists of double glass doors that open onto the living room.Adam Williams, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Spending and taxes were a major focus for Reagan's immediate successor, George H.W. Bush.Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024
-
If successful, the motion would have stripped Yoon of his presidential authority with immediate effect.Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
In a separate analysis by Joshua Long, chief security analyst at Mac security specialists Intego, users are warned that the same fake meeting software could potentially be used in other scam campaigns and such a variation could target you regardless of your interests.Davey Winder, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Burberry’s Heritage trench took center stage, alongside the latest iterations of the coat by chief creative officer Daniel Lee.Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
On November 8, 2024, the court denied a preliminary injunction request by 23XI and FRM that would have enabled the teams to sign charter agreements pending the lawsuit's resolution.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
-
The proximate cause of the breakup was the granting of a preliminary injunction against the deal by U.S. Judge Adrienne Nelson of Oregon.Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The claim: Slain UnitedHealthcare CEO was scheduled to testify against Nancy Pelosi for insider trading A Dec. 7 Threads post (direct link, archive link) claims to share news of a connection between the victim of a high-profile shooting and the former Democratic Speaker of the House.Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
-
YouTube pays more than $2 billion per season for the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, a deal that one estimate projected will lead to nearly $10 billion in losses between 2023 and 2029, though Google can leverage the exclusive content in ways beyond the direct Sunday Ticket subscription offering.Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
-
The founder is one of India’s foremost fashion curators who brought Indian fashion together for 30 years.Shelby Wax, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The ultimate goal of any preparatory practice is to get an accountable human thinking about the situation and planning in advance.Tor Constantino, MBA, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Sign up Renaissance drawings were generally used as preparatory tools, said Alastair Sooke in The Daily Telegraph.The Week UK, theweek, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Multicolored sleepwear made of flannel, cotton and satin was the predominant attire among attendees to adorn the beginning of the end of Un Último Sueño, Gira Los Estadios (One Last Dream, The Stadiums Tour).Natalia Cano, Billboard, 14 Dec. 2024
-
For his part, DiMarco worked to ensure that the film’s American Sign Language, which is the predominant language in the doc, is portrayed and interpreted accurately.Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near primary
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share