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

Relevance

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

But there’s experience in the secondary, which should help to contain Williams, at least enough to give the Crimson Tide the edge. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The defense turned in gritty performances early, but secondary depth issues and late-game stalls cost them crucial divisional matchups. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

Perhaps the best test in this joint practice will be how the Chargers’ quarterbacks, specifically Justin Herbert and former 49ers draft bust Trey Lance, attack a 49ers’ secondary that has impressed all camp. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 Scott isn’t the only one in the secondary who needed to recover in the offseason. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secondary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secondary

Adjective

Even Cyrus’ freakishly long nails and eerie voice are derivative of other horror movie boogeymen, but without their grasp of the uncannily malevolent.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Gifford believes the results bear on the legal question of whether models’ outputs are merely derivative works, with implications for copyright.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of derivative

Adjective

Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
His discipline could be minor compared to the hit on his reputation.

— Jim Reineking, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of minor

Noun

Going to college doesn’t necessarily mean a student is no longer your dependent.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Spouses who file their taxes separately are not each able to claim the same dependent, said Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group for federal student loan servicers.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependent

Adjective

Across state and federal lands, accommodations designated for Black Americans were routinely and nakedly inferior, relegated to remote, underdeveloped parcels or mosquito-prone swamplands.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
But those three road losses were either in the postseason to a top-two team, at Oregon or the inexplicable 2024 loss to a far inferior Michigan team in The Game.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of inferior

Noun

The judge found that the three did, in fact, violate the charter, which states that council members may not interfere with appointments or removals in the city manager’s office, or give orders to the city manager’s subordinates.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
More broadly, struggling to name specific contributions by others even when specifically prompted to do so or remaining vague about developing subordinates are flags that the candidate may engage in toxic patterns.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of subordinate

Noun

As designers and artists alike will attest, a picture frame recontextualizes its subject.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026
Blackbox soon established that the complainant did not wish to participate, and alleges that 5 was aware of the individual’s reluctance to be the subject of a series based on their experience.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026