secondary

[sek-uhn-der-ee] / ˈsɛk ənˌdɛr i /

ADJECTIVE

subordinate; less important

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inferior insignificant trivial unimportant

STRONG

accessory alternate auxiliary backup collateral contingent dependent dinky extra lower minor petty relief reserve second small subject subsidiary supporting tributary

WEAK

bush-league consequential inconsiderable lesser minor-league second-rate small-fry small-time subservient substract under

Antonyms

STRONGEST

consequential important significant useful valuable worthwhile

STRONG

big chief huge large main major necessary primary

WEAK

causative first-class first-rate source superior

ADJECTIVE

derivative

Synonyms

STRONG

auxiliary dependent resultant subordinate subsidiary

WEAK

borrowed consequent derivate derivational derived developed eventual indirect proximate resulting second-hand subsequent vicarious

Antonyms

STRONG

chief important necessary

WEAK

causative first-class first-rate primary source superior

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, the primary beneficiary of an IRA might be the spouse, but the form would also name children as secondary beneficiaries and perhaps grandchildren after that.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

For investors, it may be wise to be aware of those secondary effects.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Over the next decades, questions on language, literacy and occupation were refined, adding secondary work and dependency details.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

McDuffie and Watson join a secondary that includes safety Quentin Lake, who signed an extension in January, and safety Kam Curl, who re-signed with the Rams this month.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Surrounding that is the giant steel building that we see from the outside, known as secondary containment.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

secondary

Example Sentences

Related Words