prime 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of primenext
1
as in chief
highest in rank or authority the prime strategist in the senator's presidential campaign

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind owns a thousand acres of prime farmland

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prime

2 of 3

noun

ˈprīm How to pronounce prime (audio)
1
as in bloom
a state or time of great activity, thriving, or achievement in the prime of her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in best
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class chose the prime of the litter of pups

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prime

3 of 3

verb

as in to ground

Related 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 prime
Adjective
Zaayer was immediately considered the prime suspect and, after a standoff with the police, was arrested. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 If formalized, the rule would make political priorities the prime determinant of what science gets funded and sideline the opinions of scientific experts. — ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Noun
Butler was the Warriors’ big swing — a last hope — to salvage the end of Curry’s prime. — Nick Friedell, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Everything hinges on making sure Robertson is signed or somehow recouping assets for a player in his prime coming off a 45-goal, 96-point season. — ABC News, 2 July 2026
Verb
In Southern states, the trend typically brings unusually wet weather in the winter, which could prime the region for flooding. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 11 June 2026 There are also plenty of oils (specifically, avocado, macadamia, and almond) to help prime the skin for a close, comfortable shave, free of irritation. — Eden Stuart, Allure, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prime
  1. chief
  2. excellent
  3. bloom
  4. best
  5. ground
  6. foremost
  7. great
  8. blooming
Adjective
  • Jim Campbell, chief legal counsel for ADF, pointed to Cross’s alleged experience as one of the human costs behind the legal fight.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Haley enlisted in the Coast Guard at 17 and retired as its chief journalist in 1959.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of chief
Adjective
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Noun
  • The agency is also monitoring for cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae, which can form harmful algal blooms that pose risks to people and animals.
    — Madison Smalstig July 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
  • In addition to monarch butterflies, it's beloved by many pollinators—and its beautiful orange blooms always put on a show.
    — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
Definition of bloom
Noun
  • The longer races are brutally hard, but Kerstin loves helping other runners pursue their personal bests.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • The most productive game of his career came in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with personal bests of 157 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Definition of best
Verb
  • The two daredevils who scaled the spire of the Empire State Building while the world watched have been grounded by the New York Police Department and are now the targets of a criminal investigation.
    — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The Navy had to wait for specialized technicians to arrive or ship massive parts across the globe to repair depots in the US, keeping combat jets grounded.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Definition of ground
Adjective
  • The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    — Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of foremost
Adjective
  • William's sixth-great-grandfather was born in Coventry in 1740 and enlisted as a private in the Connecticut militia.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Leave some messiness in your garden and leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great habitat for fireflies.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of great
Noun
  • These gorgeous hydrangeas feature robust stems, frequent blooming, and enduring flowers superior to other varieties.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
  • How to Care for Container Roses Roses need adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and regular fertilization to encourage growth and healthy annual blooming.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
Definition of blooming

Browse Nearby Words

primary schools
prime
primed
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Cite this Entry

“Prime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prime. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prime

Nglish: Translation of prime for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prime

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