SECONDARY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

secondary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈse-kən-ˌder-ē

Definition of secondary

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

secondary

2 of 2

noun

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

Adjective

If Meta were to do a secondary offering of Class C shares down the line, then existing shareholders will see their financial interest in the company watered down, giving them a smaller claim to future earnings. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Quarterback Jaden Craig hit Ed Small and Jordan Dwyer for five big completions, with Dwyer going for 150 yards against a Bears secondary that had ranked second in the Big 12 in pass defense efficiency. — Steven Johnson. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

Three-time Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner has done his part with a trio of sacks, but the secondary has yet to come away with a single interception. — Elise Devlin, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had career highs with 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday against an Illinois secondary that was expected to be the team’s strength going into the season. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secondary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secondary

Adjective

Anthropic’s actions allow users to create derivative songs without paying the copyright holders, the lawsuit says.

— James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The series, which has been remade in dozens of countries, is derivative of other reality-competition shows.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of derivative

Adjective

Charlie Weasley is a minor character in the books and does not appear in the films, so the HBO series is straying from the movies regarding Ron Weasley’s older brother.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
If winner is deemed to be a minor under the jurisdiction of his/her residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who must execute the necessary affidavit and release and, if applicable,.

— Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

The idea is to sound like an inferior buck in the brush, one that is roaming around a mature deer’s space and getting on his nerves.

— Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Only 272 yards, at home, against a UCLA team that unquestionably has inferior talent?

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of inferior

Noun

And, one of Thompson’s subordinates knew that Rusinowski may have been stealing meds a month before Thompson found out and didn’t say anything, the attorneys stated.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
Trump’s subordinates have been hinting for months that ICE agents or other federal officers may turn up at polling places on Election Day.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Adjective

Or the sexologist who makes a mean flan and knows how to push people’s buttons in ‘The Invite’?

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Some of the interactions are so sweet, and then some of them are a little bit more embarrassing or aggressive or mean.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of mean

Noun

Luna and Kris Caravantes were the only juniors to start for the Vikings.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
The Eagles had several impact players throughout the season, including senior Jayda Palumbo, freshman Emma Luehrs, junior Jada Stephenson, junior Lia Ray and sophomore Melia Samms.

— Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026