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

The changes mainly pertain to nonresident waterfowl hunting hours, reopening the fall turkey season, and changes to state park entrance and camping fees. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

The charges stemmed from fighting more than a decade ago between the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels who seized power from then-President François Bozizé, and a mainly Christian militia called the anti-Balaka. — Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026

The actor, whose red carpet style mainly consists of some seriously louche and luxurious suits, isn’t interested in wearing dresses. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

The lack of a market mainly affects what the investor can do with the security and what evidence is available if the investor later disposes of it. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 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