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
The officials said that the chemicals are being shipped to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the primary branch of the Iranian military.
—
John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
This surge in prices has been identified as a primary factor in the sales decline, along with escalating mortgage rates.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025
In essence, by terming the coin as an artwork, the issuers of $TRUMP shift the coin’s primary purpose away from financial speculation and possibly the watchful eye of the Securities and Exchange Commision.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for primary 
John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
This surge in prices has been identified as a primary factor in the sales decline, along with escalating mortgage rates.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025
In essence, by terming the coin as an artwork, the issuers of $TRUMP shift the coin’s primary purpose away from financial speculation and possibly the watchful eye of the Securities and Exchange Commision.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
Located on the 17th floor of 200 Crescent Court, the locale is a private dining club with a bar and main dining room.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Israel would pull its troops back from Gaza's main population centers in the first stage of the deal, allowing its residents to return to what remains of their homes as more humanitarian aid permeates the Strip and those who are injured receive treatment.—
Ellie Cook,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Franklin’s immediate ancestors grew up in a world where the fear of witchcraft led to tragic consequences.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Bringing all 900 units online simultaneously would create a visible and immediate difference — restoring dignity to countless lives, while clearing subway cars, streets and church steps.—
Jody Rudin,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Peter Boockvar, chief investment officer of Bleakley Financial Group, cited the U.S’s new sanctions against Russian oil producers as another potential catalyst of a rally in crude oil prices.—
Lisa Kailai Han,Gabriel Cortés,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2025
-
The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s chief commercial officer Elizabeth Williams and Independent Entertainment COO Cora Palfrey.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
According to a preliminary investigation, a vehicle driven by Karen Huey, 63, was traveling north on 281, while another vehicle, operated by Jaelen Green, 21, was heading in the opposite direction.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Brooks issued a final ruling in the case Dec. 23, noting nothing had changed since the preliminary injunction was issued.—
Ron Wood,
arkansasonline.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
When asked about potential water supply issues, Kelliher said crews are fortunate to have direct access to Castaic Lake and other nearby reservoirs for their firefighting efforts.—
Brandon Miller,
CNN,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Photo : Legendary Productions The both the kitchen and the living room have direct terrace access.—
Emma Reynolds,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.—
Sophie Alcorn,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The evening will be hosted by Young, and will feature readings from some of the foremost poetic voices in America.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The resolution called for a concrete process consisting of preparatory sessions in 2026 and 2027, and three-week negotiations in 2028 and 2029, where a treaty will be finalized.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The ultimate sources of that water — three tanks each with a capacity of roughly 1 million gallons — were filled as a preparatory measure before the fires broke out, city authorities say.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2000, Smithfield Foods, the state’s predominant producer of hogs, agreed to pay $1 per hog produced in the state — for a total of up to $2 million — into a fund, with part of that money used to research more environmentally friendly ways of handling hog waste.—
Gavin Off,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Still, the predominant thought was his interview was a push by the Bears to fulfill the NFL’s Rooney Rule as the team positions itself to make a head coaching hire.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near primary
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share