mainly

adverb

main·​ly ˈmān-lē 

1

obsolete : in a forceful manner

2

: for the most part : chiefly

Synonyms of mainly

• mostly
• primarily
• chiefly
• largely
• predominantly
• principally
• basically
• generally

Examples of mainly in a Sentence

you mainly need to focus on improving your golf swing

Recent Examples on the Web

Another isolated shower or storm chance arrives Sunday, mainly across southern Minnesota, but most of the weekend should remain dry. — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

But analysts say for now, many of these humanoid robots are still mainly used for demonstrations, performances and research rather than real-world applications. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

As Fortune’s Jordan Blum argues, this could accelerate a broader breakdown of the post-WWII maritime order, although some analysts believe Iran may ultimately use tolls mainly as a bargaining chip for sanctions relief. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

His Nigerian parents are former athletes, but his dad, Hafiz, mainly played mainly soccer and his mom, Yewande, competed in volleyball and track, according to Ammar. — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mainly

• plainly
• sanely
• vainly
• humanely
• insanely
• profanely
• ungainly