PRIMARY Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

primary

adjective

ˈprī-ˌmer-ē

Definition of primary

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

as in direct

done or working without something else coming in between a crop failure that was the primary cause of the famine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chief

highest in rank or authority the movie's primary screenwriter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Meredith will likely be the Jets’ primary backup center, replacing Xavier Newman-Johnson, who was released Sunday and later placed on their practice squad. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 As the letter notes, the Board of Education and the school district have the primary responsibility for protecting the health and safety of our students and staff. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 The telescope’s primary mirror is the same size as that of Hubble. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Outfitted with two primary instruments, the observatory provides a large field of view with crisp infrared vision to explore vast swaths of the sky. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary

Adjective

The fourth-year pro with blazing speed had an impressive training camp and appeared to be one of the team’s main kick returners.

— Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Its main instrument, known as the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will take extremely wide images of the universe, capturing ultra-high definition views across broad swaths of the sky.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Trout, the face of the franchise, has nonetheless been clear and direct about his desire to remain in Anaheim.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The money supported Parton’s My People Fund, which provided direct financial assistance to families who lost their homes.

— Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

These bags come from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s fall 2026 collection, her first as Fendi’s chief creative officer—and something of a homecoming for the Roman designer.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Former senior vice president of people and culture Erin Dangerfield, now Golden State’s chief people officer, allegedly questioned Vasquez about her responses in the survey.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of chief

Adjective

The judge issued his ruling at the conclusion of a court session Tuesday, which continued the preliminary hearing that was largely held over a week in early July before a nearly two-month recess to prepare for closing arguments.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
The prosecution and defense both gave closing arguments Tuesday during the second preliminary hearing since July, which is a limited purpose proceeding held for a judge to determine whether the charges are justified.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of preliminary

Adjective

So the Fed's predominant focus right now should be on prices.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Environmental samples collected from the market, specifically in areas where wildlife sales were predominant, contained SARS-CoV-2 genetic material.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of predominant

Adjective

His best explanations for this are pressure from shareholders to prioritize immediate returns over long-term investments, and years of obsession with digital that came at the expense of physical retail.

— Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
These models predict what the fuel will do in the immediate future.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of immediate

Adjective

On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, AI’s foremost critic is flouting the dress code.

— Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
The Move to Manchester The TV Festival’s impending move to Manchester was one of the foremost topics of conversation at this year’s edition.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Baniewicz was hired by Bishop Miege in 2023 after serving nearly 14 years as president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a college preparatory boarding school in Atchison.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
Prince Gabriel, 22, completed a one-year preparatory course at the National Mathematics & Science College in England before graduating from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026