1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dependent
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of secondary
Mike Kaye
january 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Petrino had tight end Rohan Jones release over the left side from a fullback spot in the backfield and run uncovered into the secondary for an easy 62-yard touchdown on the third snap of the game at Memphis.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secondary
Adjective
The 30-year-old defensive back has also made the secondary better because of his football IQ, vision and experience within the defense.
—Noun
The secondary struggled through stretches.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for secondary
Adjective
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Tesla shareholders delivered another decisive message through their vote on Tesla’s Texas-style 3% ownership threshold for filing derivative lawsuits.—
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McNaughton’s derivative style sharpens the contrast.—
Adjective
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The most minor miscalculation can botch a landing.—
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Its versatile uses range from nourishing the lips to minor wound care—helping maintain hydration along the way.—
Noun
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Similar concerns are upsetting older adults in Sunnyvale, where a program that serves healthy meals to residents aged 60 and older, as well as their spouses and disabled dependents, increasingly has to turn people away as demand has outstripped the program’s funding.—
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Those with more than two children or additional qualifying dependents may receive even more.—
Adjective
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The Heat had beat up on inferior opponents this season before Saturday’s ugly loss to the Pacers.—
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The result is an inferior copy of the original.—
Noun
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Many politicians should, but won’t, learn worthwhile lessons about the value of public deference and praise of subordinates who work every day on the front lines.—
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Cook was reportedly allowed to quietly resign in 2020 by Hogsett after an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate came to light.—
Noun
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Rianna Bernal, who was third in last year’s state meet at 125 pounds while a junior at Lemoore High, transferred to Marina.—
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The junior ran for 133 yards on 22 carries — averaging 6 yards per rush.—
Adjective
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People want to write mean things.—
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The Old Pal is like a Negroni, but meaner.—
Noun
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The sensor can record long and short exposures simultaneously, improving sharpness when subjects move.—
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The addition of those provisions, the lawsuit argues, violated a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that laws only deal with one subject.—
Cite this Entry
“Secondary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secondary. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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