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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dependent
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 secondary
Chris Willman, Variety, 4 May 2026
Cubs designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros, who is in the bottom four percent of sprint speed, per Statcast, took a big secondary lead on the play and beat out Arenado’s throw to second, giving the Cubs an extra out.
—Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
The offensive had weapons and the defense boasted two fang-bearing edge rushers and a No Fly Zone secondary that humbled All-Pros, MVPs and journeymen without remorse.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for secondary
Adjective
In her case, shows were sold out and going for high prices on the secondary market, so her explanation of health issues was one case in which fans were not second-guessing commercial reasons.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 4 May 2026
Cubs designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros, who is in the bottom four percent of sprint speed, per Statcast, took a big secondary lead on the play and beat out Arenado’s throw to second, giving the Cubs an extra out.
—Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Noun
Cooper would have been a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, but instead San Francisco reinforces a secondary that could use more talent.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
The offensive had weapons and the defense boasted two fang-bearing edge rushers and a No Fly Zone secondary that humbled All-Pros, MVPs and journeymen without remorse.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for secondary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secondary
Adjective
-
The app began as an aggregator for perpetual futures, a form of derivative popular among crypto traders.—
Jack Kubinec,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission — an independent federal agency that has jurisdiction over derivative markets — is overseeing prediction markets.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The buckling may start in the middle, and minor variations in a given can’s shape and size might affect when the first ring emerges.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
-
Obtain one that contains major and minor nutrients.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.—
Darrell Smith
May 1,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
-
On April 3, Reichard-Hayes and Carter were arrested on charges of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and neglect of a dependent.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Investors have also questioned the commercial viability of Novo's pipeline, such as its next-generation drug CagriSema, which was shown to be inferior to Zepbound in Novo's own study earlier this year.—
Elsa Ohlen,Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
-
Millwall must win to capitalise on any points dropped by Ipswich, thanks to that vastly inferior goal difference, while Middlesbrough’s hopes of gatecrashing the top two are also dependent on securing all three points.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
His public dynamic with Schoen is that of a boss and his subordinate.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Cincinnati's now-former police chief, once sued by subordinates for alleged discrimination against White male officers, has been fired.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Highlanders top three players — freshman Sohith Tella, junior Jackson Bates, and Chang all split sets before losing tiebreakers.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Included among them, earning his scholarship at the end of his redshirt freshman season in 2022 and then later being a second-team All-American as a junior in 2024 and first-team All-SEC selection last season.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is a line that can be crossed, and it’s being mean.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
The stone, a little white-hot comet, flew in a tight, mean line across the expanse.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Many of these pieces find Phillips decades removed from her Appalachian childhood, living elsewhere and writing on other subjects but mindful that she’s not finished reflecting on her origins.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
While 50 educators in Illinois hold the necessary World Language Arabic endorsement, only seven are currently teaching the subject, according to the superintendent’s statement.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Secondary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secondary. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
