as in primary
coming before all others in importance
this is the main point of the study—everything else is secondary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in power
muscular strength
all their might and main could not budge the stalled car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in continent
one of the great divisions of land on the globe or the main part of such a division
islanders periodically traveled back to the main for supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in core
the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts
the main of the tree is still healthy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of main
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
This cake uses that magical trio of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for its main flavoring, but pairs the warm, complex goodness with a tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze for good measure.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Five layers of quintessential Mediterranean flavors — hummus, chickpeas, feta, scallion and herbs, and tzatziki — make for a dip ideal for a party or a hearty vegetarian main.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
One of the campaign’s main goals is to secure $1 billion in federal funding for ALS research over the next three years.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
This cake uses that magical trio of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for its main flavoring, but pairs the warm, complex goodness with a tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze for good measure.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
When the water level dropped as a result, two village water mains and two sanitary force mains were uncovered.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Five layers of quintessential Mediterranean flavors — hummus, chickpeas, feta, scallion and herbs, and tzatziki — make for a dip ideal for a party or a hearty vegetarian main.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
Last week, Reuters reported that Pulte’s own father and stepmother had declared two homes in two different states as their primary residence, prompting a town in Michigan to remove a tax exemption for their home there and charge the couple for back taxes.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
But today, technology was not his primary concern.—
Elie Ofek,
Harvard Business Review,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, global demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, requiring upgrades in power, cooling, and connectivity.—
Maurice Obeid,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The scouting nets are now cast across continents, there are feeder and multi-club models and the possibility of one scout like Dubliner Billy Behan pulling up several players, from a tiny pool, talented enough to become first-team regulars is long gone.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The world might end up ruled by large technology companies that impose their solutions throughout entire continents, leaving little space for homegrown creativity.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Kirk mused about writing a book on the core tenets of MAGA.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Here’s how the S&P 500 might react, based on the core monthly inflation, according to JPMorgan.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Advertisement Lee grew up near Manchester’s Christ Church of the Church of England, but struggled to understand their beliefs, never fitting in with the predominant religion.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Should contempt become the predominant way that two partners communicate with one another, one or both will eventually reach a breaking point.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Kylie Jenner shared the details of her augmentation on social media this summer—445 ccs, moderate profile, half under the muscle—and other celebrities followed by posting about their own specs.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Besides fatigue, the other possible symptoms can be quite vague and non-specific like abdominal discomfort, pain or swelling or unexplained weight loss, muscle loss or muscle weakness.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Singapore's reputation as a safe harbor for wealthy mainland Chinese families is fading, reversing an inflow that came at the expense of rival wealth hubs like Hong Kong and Japan.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The island moves to its own beat—one that is noticeably slower than life on the mainland.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Harvest Grapeseed Ritual begins with a dry brush and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rich body butter and a glass of Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The report was researched and written by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which was formed by the Human Right Council in 2021, as an independent investigative body.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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