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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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
Perimenopause, once a word rarely spoken, is now a main character in the lives of women in their late 30s, 40s and 50s. —Charlottefive Staff, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025 The left flank is incensed that eight centrist senators — none of whom face reelection in 2026 — crafted a deal with Republicans that does not guarantee Democrats’ main demand to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies that will expire at the end of the year. —Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
The menu will feature snackable, shareable appetizers along with mains like sandwiches and weekly specials. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Last year’s alternate jerseys wouldn’t get any complaints from me if the Caps turned them into their mains. —The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
  1. primary
  2. power
  3. continent
  4. core
  5. muscle
  6. mainland
  7. body
  8. predominant
Adjective
  • This discount shall apply only to the primary residence of the user and shall not apply to separate irrigation meters.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Last season’s Most Improved Player was the primary defender on Dončić, who was held to 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field in 27 minutes.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of primary
Noun
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The Maldives’ own India Out campaign—paradoxically led by Yameen after his electoral defeat to the pro-Indian politician Ibrahim Mohamed Solih—gained traction, casting India as a neo-imperial power.
    — MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • At the northeast corner of the Sahara Desert, its vast wilderness marks the final leg on the African continent for those fleeing war, persecution, and lack of opportunity in search of a better life.
    — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Astrotourism continues to be one of the world's leading trends, and many travelers make big plans to cross oceans and continents just to experience auroras, meteor showers, and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of continent
Noun
  • The victories are seen by many analysts and political figures as a signal that Democrats have regained momentum after losses in the 2024 election cycle—while some Republican voices warn of growing disconnection from core voters.
    — Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The conflict could also arise over other core values, such as how to raise kids or what activities to prioritize in the relationship.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of core
Noun
  • And this one is small enough to carry in via pure muscle power while enjoying activities like hiking to a viewpoint, backpacking, bikepacking, canoe camping or ski touring.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Their 20-month study aims to develop a safe and effective way to use zinc to protect and regenerate muscle tissue damaged by trauma.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of muscle
Noun
  • Britain ultimately lost not only because of Washington’s extraordinary tenacity in the war’s several mainland theaters, but also because the king’s men had to stage long sieges, wage desperate naval battles, and take mounting casualties on too many other fronts spread too far apart.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Hsieh was born in Taiwan in 1950, a year after the Kuomintang, until recently China’s ruling party, fled Mao Zedong and the mainland, and set up shop in Taipei.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of mainland
Noun
  • Officers discovered his body Thursday inside his apartment on the 2000 block of San Juan Road in the Natomas neighborhood.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Because perspiration slows you down long before precipitation, outdoor gear needs to efficiently help the body stay warm, fresh and comfortable while eliminating moisture build-up.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of body
Adjective
  • Crime and safety, particularly in Downtown, were the predominant issues in the race, especially after a string of high-profile incidents this summer and fall.
    — Jordan Kellogg, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Despite the concerns around African democracy, Afrobarometer’s annual African Insights survey shows voting in elections remains the predominant form of political and civic engagement, with nearly three-quarters of respondents voting in their country’s elections last year.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of predominant

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 17 Nov. 2025.

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