primacy
noun
pri·ma·cy
ˈprī-mə-sē 
1
: the state of being first (as in importance, order, or rank) : preeminence
the primacy of intellectual and esthetic over materialistic values—
T. R. McConnell
T. R. McConnell2
: the office, rank, or preeminence of an ecclesiastical primate
Synonyms
Examples of primacy in a Sentence
Civil law took primacy over religious law.
She has established primacy in her field of study.
Recent Examples on the Web
Image Five years ago, protein alternatives appeared poised to take on the primacy of red meat by offering an option that was healthier, more ethical and better for the climate.
—Cara Buckley, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
First, Syria is only a small thread in a larger web of permanent policies predicated on U.S. primacy and exceptionalism.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Indeed, evidence suggests shareholder primacy theory doesn’t even serve the shareholders, the very agents the system aims to prioritize, very well.
—Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025
China most often gains primacy in areas in which the United States is dramatically underinvested.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
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Cara Buckley, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
First, Syria is only a small thread in a larger web of permanent policies predicated on U.S. primacy and exceptionalism.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Indeed, evidence suggests shareholder primacy theory doesn’t even serve the shareholders, the very agents the system aims to prioritize, very well.
—Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025
China most often gains primacy in areas in which the United States is dramatically underinvested.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for primacy
Dictionary Entries Near primacy
Cite this Entry
“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
primacy
noun
pri·ma·cy
ˈprī-mə-sē
plural primacies
1
: the state of being first (as in time, place, or rank)
2
: the office or dignity of a bishop of the highest rank
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