Definition of primarynext
1
2
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

3
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 By the end of its five-year primary mission, Roman is expected to amass a 20,000-terabyte data archive. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Its success stems from an unconventional marketing approach, treating content as a primary distribution channel. Jeanette Hurt, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The primary bath is equipped with a huge freestanding stone tub and a matching vanity with dual sinks. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 Adams, an incumbent election board member, voted against certifying the results of 2024’s primary election. Adam Beam, AJC.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
  • Because Swift has no docking ports or grappling fixtures to grab onto, Katalyst built its 880-pound, 5-foot tall LINK spacecraft with a custom robotic capture mechanism that will attach to a feature on the satellite’s main structure.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • One of the festival’s main attractions is the FIFA store, an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility on the east side of the grounds.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
    Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Reliable plasma diagnostics are considered a key requirement because direct measurements inside fusion reactors become increasingly difficult as temperatures and neutron radiation levels rise.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
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
Adjective
  • Prominent civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner, who are representing the family of Kohen Wiley, released preliminary findings from the independent autopsy during a news conference on July 1.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The sheriff's office says a preliminary investigation found that workers were installing underground tanks.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Matthew Harmon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, representing law enforcement, the predominant users of ALPRs in the area.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The tang of the sauce was eye-widening and immediate, crackling with the bright, citrusy charge of tomatillos and serrano chiles.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
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
Adjective
  • Another measure to speed up the preparatory studies proposes that when a power plant operator and a large load customer of a similar size both apply for access to the grid, only one study of the impact of both players joining should be conducted, rather than sequential studies.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2026
  • Separate preparatory meetings with each side are set to take place in Doha this week, ahead of the official signing in Switzerland and the start of the technical talks, the diplomat said.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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