main 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of mainnext
as in primary
coming before all others in importance this is the main point of the study—everything else is secondary

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

main

2 of 2

noun

ˈmān How to pronounce main (audio)
1
as in power
muscular strength all their might and main could not budge the stalled car

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of main
Adjective
The breaks occurred on June 26 when exceptionally heavy rainfall caused the failure in the 42-inch sewer force main near the South Mill Street Pumping Station in Haverhill. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026 This unique formula is a main reason for the property’s instant success. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
Everyone will want a scoop of this dish, which is hearty enough to be a main for the vegetarians at the party. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 Make-ahead dishes, oven-ready mains and one-pot recipes free hosts to actually talk to their guests. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
  1. primary
  2. power
  3. continent
  4. core
  5. predominant
  6. muscle
  7. mainland
  8. body
Adjective
  • The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of primary
Noun
  • Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • Plus, the power port includes three electrical outlets and three USB ports for powering appliances, speakers, and other devices.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • Countries across three continents are spending $2 trillion on a new, technological arms race, according to Bloomberg, including anti-satellite weapons to counter threats from space.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
  • Europe needs a continent-wide security architecture encompassing NATO members both inside and outside the EU.
    — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026
Definition of continent
Noun
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of core
Adjective
  • Indigenous tzalam wood, leather, and polished lava stone are the predominant materials; earth tones and clean lines are the prevailing aesthetics.
    — Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of predominant
Noun
  • Mozeliak said the Angels should not consider a trade proposal in isolation, without considering how to flex their major-market muscles to fill whatever hole a trade might create.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Livano Comenencia’s equalizer and Dick Advocaat’s emotional reaction were great but this was a muscle flex if there ever was one.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of muscle
Noun
  • In the second half of 2026, Yum China will move from licensing the Pizza Hut brand to owning it in mainland China.
    — Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • The roster of guests here usually includes a good portion of couples, both on romantic getaways from the mainland and staycations from mere miles away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
Definition of mainland
Noun
  • Mourners beat their chests rhythmically in the intense summer heat, the wails of women cutting through the noise as the body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unveiled beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • But Vozinha dived, fully extended his body, and knocked the ball away.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of body

Phrases Containing main

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maims
main
mainland
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Cite this Entry

“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of main for Spanish Speakers

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