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
Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Sure, your main priority at brunch is indulging in pancakes and mimosas while catching up with friends.
—Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 23 May 2026
In 2007, a big steam main by the Chanin Building, across from Grand Central, blew up right as a truck passed over, injuring dozens.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
Once a main port for shipbuilding in the Northeast, the small city is perfect for seafaring aficionados.
—Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Sure, your main priority at brunch is indulging in pancakes and mimosas while catching up with friends.
—Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 6 June 2026
Noun
These simple, no-cook apps, mains, and dips come together with no heat.
—Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 23 May 2026
In 2007, a big steam main by the Chanin Building, across from Grand Central, blew up right as a truck passed over, injuring dozens.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
These powerful systems are well-suited for developing and tuning edge models and agents, but are not primary robotics deployment platforms.—
Bill Curtis,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Other highlights include a gym and a plush primary suite flaunting a stainless-steel fireplace.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Federal officials this year sent water from the upstream Flaming Gorge Reservoir to Lake Powell to stave off an emergency where water levels in the lower reservoir fall so low that water no longer flows through the dam’s power turbines — the only safe way to release water for extended periods.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
-
That still left a lot of the two-time league champion’s star power exposed to be plucked by the four new teams looking to fill rosters.—
Tom Carothers,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Its combat deployments across multiple continents have cemented its reputation as one of the most effective attack helicopters ever fielded by a European nation.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
-
Citigroup, Four Seasons, Lyft, media companies, and hospitality assets across four continents.—
Wael Mahdi,
semafor.com,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Victoria’s Secret said it’s committed to safe, respectful working conditions across its global supply chain, with women’s safety, dignity, and economic empowerment at the core.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
-
The system uses heat pipes to move heat away from the reactor core and into a supercritical carbon dioxide power conversion system that generates electricity.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
American resumes flights American Airlines, the predominant carrier at Miami International Airport, resumed its service to Venezuela between Miami and Caracas in late April after a multi-year hiatus.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
28 May 2026
-
During the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, Busch was honored on the 18th lap of the race, 18 being the predominant number on his stock car.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
As this process of disruption progresses, paralysis can develop — including in the muscles responsible for breathing.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
The activity strengthens core muscles, legs and arms.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Five of the dead were from mainland China and two from Hong Kong.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
-
The 150 firefighters who responded to the blaze have returned to the mainland, and the island remains closed to the public.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The addition gives Golden State another body in the frontcourt along with starting center Kiah Stokes and backup Laeticia Amihere.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
-
The spa Offering an incredible selection of body, skin, and mind therapies, The Spa by Equinox Hotels is the ultimate in pampering.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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