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
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Recent Examples of primary
The Falcons have above-average talent at WR/TE and return four offensive line starters, which could lead to an aerial boon since stopping Bijan Robinson will be the primary goal of most defensive coordinators.
—
Kc Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025
The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death.
—Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
When your primary anchor is your professional role, retirement creates a fundamental instability that affects every daily and long-term life aspect.
—Lorraine Wiseman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
The team’s primary logo is a four-color crest featuring white lettering, green-and-white mountains, and a red-and-yellow sunset.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Kc Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025
The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death.
—Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
When your primary anchor is your professional role, retirement creates a fundamental instability that affects every daily and long-term life aspect.
—Lorraine Wiseman, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
The team’s primary logo is a four-color crest featuring white lettering, green-and-white mountains, and a red-and-yellow sunset.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for primary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for primary
Adjective
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
30 July 2025
-
Messer, 39, has been spending his days walking the halls of both Dell Children's main campus in East Austin and its North Austin hospital.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
An overwhelming majority of the world's climate scientists have stressed that an immediate reduction in the burning of fossil fuels, including coal, is imperative to averting the worst consequences of climate change, including extreme heat, more powerful storms and deadly floods.—
Connor Giffin,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
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First, there are a spate of short-term projects intended to alleviate the immediate stress for passengers.—
Beck Andrew Salgado,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Despite this, the company’s chief marketing and sales officer, Federico Foschini, still sees a desire among customers for something even more unique.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
31 July 2025
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Berry works with Paul DePodesta, the Browns' chief strategy officer.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Air Force study's preliminary findings indicated troops in the nuclear missile community don't have higher cancer diagnosis or death rates than other active duty servicemembers or the general U.S. population.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
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Vinson was scheduled to have her preliminary examination in Washtenaw County's 14A-1 District Court, when Judge Cedric Simpson would have decided whether there's enough evidence against her to send the case to trial.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
You may be sent a security code to your recovery email or phone, authenticator app or a direct prompt on your device.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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That means the transcripts wouldn't include direct testimony from victims.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Just as Russia has declined in its military might since the break-up of the Soviet Union a generation ago, Grossfeld says, its status as one of the globe’s foremost space powers has likewise slipped away.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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But all that nuttiness took place a long time ago, under the influence, and, according to the world’s foremost Ozzy authority, such is not really the case.—
Erik Hedegaard,
Rolling Stone,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
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In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Where in the past the predominant parties would at least pay lip service by either demanding higher taxes or lower spending, that appears to be out the window in DC these days.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
24 July 2025
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Your predominant dosha—whether vata, pitta, or kapha—affects everything from your personality to your sleep tendencies.—
Anjana Rajbhandary,
Outside Online,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/primary. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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