Ancillary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈan(t)-sə-ˌler-ē/ an·cil·lary

Meaning & Definition of Ancillary

Ancillary (adjective)

  1. having a subordinate, subsidiary, or secondary nature
  2. serving as a supplement or addition

Ancillary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in inferior

    similar: inferior, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, marginal, peripheral, supplemental, supplementary, backup, makeshift, substitute, added, additional, another, further, complementary, contributory, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary
    opposite: all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital, basic, fundamental, primary, prime, chief, main, principal

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ancillary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ancillary:

inferior, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, marginal, peripheral, supplemental, supplementary, backup, makeshift, substitute, added, additional, another, further, complementary, contributory, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ancillary

Words with the opposite meaning of Ancillary:

all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital, basic, fundamental, primary, prime, chief, main, principal

Word Forms of Ancillary

Derived words: ancillary (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Ancillary

First known use: 1663

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Ancillary

Frequently Asked Questions about Ancillary

What does "Ancillary" mean?

"Ancillary" means having a subordinate, subsidiary, or secondary nature. As an adjective, it is defined as: having a subordinate, subsidiary, or secondary nature.

What is another word for "Ancillary"?

Other words for "Ancillary" include inferior, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, accessorial, accessory and appurtenant. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ancillary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ancillary"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ancillary". Common alternatives include inferior, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary and marginal.

What is the opposite of "Ancillary"?

Antonyms of "Ancillary" include all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed and needful.

Is "Ancillary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ancillary" is an adjective.

Is "Ancillary" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Ancillary" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Ancillary"?

"Ancillary" is pronounced /ˈan(t)-sə-ˌler-ē/ and divided into syllables as an·cil·lary.

What is the origin of the word "Ancillary"?

First known use: 1663.