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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of main
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
Their main job is responding to requests for aid made through 211.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
The leak was discovered in a 4-inch gas main at Main Street and University Avenue, according to Atmos Energy.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
Both men share an office doorway off a main hall inside Patriots’ headquarters, where their nameplates are affixed at about eye level.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
Their main job is responding to requests for aid made through 211.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Diners can choose from hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, mains like Steak Frites, cheeses, and more.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
The leak was discovered in a 4-inch gas main at Main Street and University Avenue, according to Atmos Energy.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
France is, however, the primary importer of Mauritian nutmeg today.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Aug. 2025
-
With Van de Ven and Cristian Romero established as Spurs’ primary partnership in central defence, Vuskovic may struggle to supplant that duo for the biggest games.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Such programming has been a major hit for Netflix since debuting WWE Raw in January, and Disney is clearly hoping for something of the same regular tune-in power for its sports app.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Protests throughout the spring and summer have demonstrated significant (and even international) opposition to the Trump Administration’s agenda, particularly its attempts to consolidate power and undermine key institutions and services.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Originating in the 7th century CE, this architectural tradition spans three continents and encompasses not only mosques but palaces, schools, markets, and private residences.—
Mike Miller,
Architectural Digest,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Their interest in me reflects their respect for my continent and my country.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The July consumer price index was relatively in line with market forecasts, though the core reading that excludes food and energy nudged higher to 3.1%, a bit above Wall Street expectations.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
-
That money needs to be going toward core medical and scientific research.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The other predominant design component is that her outdoor space is divided into multiple functional private spaces around the house.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The predominant effect that this law will have is to prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing their preferred firearm.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For incumbents with strong data moats and industry muscle, the temptation to follow suit is growing stronger by the day.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Like the Yeti, rubber T-latches can take some muscle to pull down and latch.—
Francesca Krempa,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Hang Seng Tech index, which tracks the some of the largest mainland Chinese technology companies listed in Hong Kong, rose over 2%, lifted by Tencent Music Entertainment, which surged over 14%, a day after the company beat estimates for second-quarter revenue and profit.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Moscow annexed the Crimean Peninsula, to the south of mainland Ukraine, in 2014.—
Robert Birsel
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
If researchers can use computers to more accurately understand how new medicines would react in the body, that could give them greater confidence when they’re tested on animals and humans.—
Amy Feldman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
As a result, the body might make fewer inflammatory proteins and substances.11 7.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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