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
But in an increasingly multipolar world, its primacy can no longer be taken for granted.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Time to admit Trump has forgotten about the primacy of the investor and is focused more on revenge than helping your 401(k).
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
The primacy of this issue extends beyond any individual business, industry, or sector.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for primacy
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Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Time to admit Trump has forgotten about the primacy of the investor and is focused more on revenge than helping your 401(k).
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
The primacy of this issue extends beyond any individual business, industry, or sector.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for primacy
Cite this Entry
“Primacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primacy. Accessed 16 Apr. 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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