Synonyms of main

main 1 of 2

adjective

as in primary

coming before all others in importance

this is the main point of the study—everything else is secondary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• primary
• greatest
• predominant
• highest
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• key
• principal
• central
• leading
• chief
• supreme
• overriding
• paramount
• cardinal
• great
• major
• prior
• premier
• top
• primal
• master
• sovereign
• capital
• number one
• overbearing
• grand
• important
• distinguished
• outstanding
• preeminent
• notable
• arch
• noteworthy
• overmastering
• senior
• eminent
• prestigious
• numero uno
• illustrious
• signal
• high-level
• stellar
• superior
• influential
• star
• significant
• famous
• noble
• momentous
• mighty
• incomparable
• famed
• unparalleled
• renowned
• celebrated
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• secondary
• slight
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• negligible
• subordinate
• inferior
• collateral
• inconsequential
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

main

2 of 2

noun

ˈmān 

1

as in power

muscular strength

all their might and main could not budge the stalled car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• power
• muscle
• beef
• thew
• energy
• force
• might
• brawn
• vigor
• potency
• sinew
• puissance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• impotence
• impotency
• frailty
• feebleness
• debility
• infirmity
• debilitation
• faintness
• enfeeblement
• frailness

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

• continent
• mainland
• landmass
• subcontinent
• supercontinent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• island
• key
• islet
• isle
• atoll
• coral reef
• peninsula
• cape
• barrier reef
• promontory
• headland
• cay

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

• core
• body
• bulk
• weight
• majority
• chief
• staple
• essence
• whole
• bottom
• mass
• entirety
• middle
• center
• burden
• root
• nature
• heart
• focus
• substance
• brunt
• sum
• generality
• subject
• amount
• matter
• total
• heft
• meat
• kernel
• theme
• topic
• nucleus
• hub
• soul
• quantum
• aggregate
• totality
• marrow
• text
• stuff
• seat
• argument
• point
• sum total
• motif
• crux
• gist
• pitch
• essentiality
• pith
• affair
• nut
• quintessence
• nub
• purport

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extension
• component
• part
• element
• section
• ingredient
• constituent
• side
• segment
• adjunct
• accessory
• appendage
• division
• offshoot
• piece
• feature
• aspect
• quality
• angle
• facet

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of main

Adjective

The Nazca Lines, ​enormous drawings and ⁠geometric figures etched into desert plains in the south of the country, are one of Peru’s main tourist destinations, attracting approximately ​100,000 annual visitors. — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026

Much of the action centers on Warren Street, a lively main thoroughfare lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, bookstores, cafés, and farm-to-table eateries. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

Officials are trying to determine which water agency controls the burst main, as a number of different mains intersect in the area. — Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Seafood mains rotate seasonally but are always creative and largely GF, and there is a full sushi bar, where many offerings are gluten-free thanks to the use of tamari. — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing main

• coup de main
• with might and main