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
Arkansas Online, 9 May 2026
The Vatican is offering spiritual respite from the world’s turmoil in the Mystic Gardens of Discalced Carmelite order next to Venice’s main train station.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Tedla recommends trying one of the above meat mains as part of the Passport plate.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
Meanwhile, satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show what appears to be an oil slick in the Persian Gulf emanating from the western side of Kharg Island, Iran's main crude export terminal.
—Arkansas Online, 9 May 2026
The Vatican is offering spiritual respite from the world’s turmoil in the Mystic Gardens of Discalced Carmelite order next to Venice’s main train station.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Noun
Food and drink At each meal there’s a set menu with a few options to choose from–two starters, three mains and one dessert.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Tedla recommends trying one of the above meat mains as part of the Passport plate.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
Opponents hope to block the map from taking effect before congressional primary elections in August.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
The primary election will be June 30.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Bedside power outlets and ceiling fans add to the convenience.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
-
The Avs finally got on the board via their second power-play chance on a Nathan MacKinnon goal that had an Artturi Lehkonen vibe to it.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
From early development to creative execution, this panel offers insight into how original ideas are brought to life across studios and continents, delivering fresh voices, distinct visual styles, and boundary-pushing humor for global audiences.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
11 May 2026
-
The harshness or relentlessness of weather can turn friends to lovers, can cause others to lose their minds, can provoke travel across continents, can cancel plans, can reroute rivers, can flood civilizations, can incite both panic and delight, can wash away a life’s work, can set fire to forests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Retailers that effectively deploy AI in their physical stores recognize the human elements at the core of the in-person shopping experience.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Wu’s office said the veterans department will continue to provide core services to all qualifying veterans and provide financial and medical assistance to qualifying veterans and their dependents with limited incomes for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, as required by state law.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Symptoms start one to eight weeks after exposure and initially can include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, according to the CDC.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Betts strained an oblique muscle April 4.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements is highly concentrated in mainland China.—
Eric Kutcher,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
-
As part of the deal, Bristol will gain the rights to four Hengrui oncology and hematology drug candidates outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.—
Andrew Joseph,
STAT,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Attacks on our bodies and identities are happening now.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
James is just returning from yet another hamstring injury, and there have to be serious concerns over whether his body can handle the demands of a major tournament.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
But a centennial is as good a time as any to fill in what the predominant narrative often leaves out.—
Jasmine Desiree,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
The Caribbean Princess completed an 11-day voyage that had departed on April 28 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, during which passengers and crew suffered from an outbreak of the highly contagious virus, which has predominant symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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