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

But for now, the risks are mainly documented in case reports, series, and other anecdotal accounts. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 6 Nov. 2026

In findings published in December 2025, Gartner reported that over 80% of organizations expected to reduce customer-service agent headcount within 18 months, mainly through attrition. — Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

PGMs, which are mainly used in vehicle catalytic converters and in defense equipment, are designated as critical minerals by the US for their economic importance. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026

In the case of breast arterial calcification, the calcium lies mainly in the artery’s muscular wall, where it is associated with blood vessel stiffening. — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 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