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 Batteries take on the propulsion role Electrical energy stored in the containerized battery units serves as the vessel’s primary propulsion source. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 Slowing down Cook will be one of TCU’s primary goals, as the Horned Frogs’ elite run defense squares off with one of the nation’s most prolific rushing attacks. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 The riverfront property is anchored by three primary buildings. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 However, some public health guidance recommends not relying on non-sugar sweeteners as a primary strategy for weight control or chronic disease risk reduction. — Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary

Adjective

The kingdom partially resumed operations at its main airport on Sunday despite damage from earlier attacks, even as the Houthis threatened further strikes.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
The project will also improve sewer main capacity by upsizing a parallel line.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

The university introduced an aerospace engineering degree this fall, giving students a direct connection to emerging aviation systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
There is no working alternative to Starlink, which has put a massive constellation of low-earth satellites into orbit, and no direct competitor comes close.

— Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

But this was apparently not the case, as per Victoria Secret’s chief creative officer Adam Selman.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Bassetti also confirmed that Lucas Green will stay on as chief content officer for operations, James Townley as chief content officer for development and Kate Humphreys as chief communications officer.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of chief

Adjective

Attendees asked engineers to provide preliminary cost estimates for street lighting running from the stadium connection north to Swepco Road.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
In a statement, police said the preliminary investigation indicates that a fight broke out prior to the shooting.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of preliminary

Adjective

What readers are saying The conversation explores the complex dynamics between small-scale and industrial agriculture, with a predominant focus on the challenges and implications of each approach.

— Tamar Haspel, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
The predominant method entails producers sealing off the vents, which causes temperatures to rise and slowly subject the birds to death via heatstroke.

— Kenny Torrella, Vox, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of predominant

Adjective

Astaire is the world's foremost exponent of that particular variety of heart throb!

— David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
The former is one of the world's foremost entertainment capitals, and the latter has a starving fan base and state-of-the-art venue in Climate Pledge Arena.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

The drawing may have been made as a preparatory study to show a prospective patron before Canaletto completed a related painting.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Canaletto expert Charles Beddington authenticated the drawing, which was likely a preparatory sketch for a painting last sold in 1995 for $354,000 (about $766,000 in today’s dollars).

— News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026