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 creator, who has a boyfriend, was mainly referring to sleepovers with his female friends. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Brockington’s contributions have come mainly in practice, particularly early in the season as he got readjusted to Sutton’s expectations. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Magnet funding is mainly spent on providing bus transportation for students to attend these special programs outside their neighborhoods. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

So far, a key tool — the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a federal database of genetic records mainly taken from people suspected or convicted of crimes — has not returned a match for samples that have been tested, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 19 Feb. 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