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
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
The ultimate hedge may lie not in betting against America, but in recognising its primacy as relative, not absolute.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
And Bitcoin can learn from open source AI, like its primacy of research over development alone.
—Korok Ray, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Trump is attempting to exploit this underappreciated power in his bid to break up multilateral alliances and craft a new U.S.-led sphere of influence in which Washington enjoys unfettered primacy in its dealings with individual states.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
But on the key issue of immigration, where federal primacy is clear, the key to protecting the values of most Californians is trying to minimize the fallout from federal actions that hurt our neighbors.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primacy
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
And Bitcoin can learn from open source AI, like its primacy of research over development alone.
—Korok Ray, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Trump is attempting to exploit this underappreciated power in his bid to break up multilateral alliances and craft a new U.S.-led sphere of influence in which Washington enjoys unfettered primacy in its dealings with individual states.
—Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
But on the key issue of immigration, where federal primacy is clear, the key to protecting the values of most Californians is trying to minimize the fallout from federal actions that hurt our neighbors.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primacy
Cite this Entry
“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy. Accessed 31 Mar. 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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