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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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. 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
  • Whatever ailed this World Cup, the beautiful game was waiting with its healing powers.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • While there is undeniable star power, and an unerring ability to get the job done, England will have opportunities to make a mark of their own.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 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
  • Rookie first-round pick Cameron Carr, limited earlier by a toenail issue, added 18 points on efficient seven-for-13 shooting as the Lakers’ young core continues auditioning in Las Vegas.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili all did the same to keep as much of their championship core together during their time in San Antonio.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 11 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
  • Crews from multiple local and state agencies began an extensive search, and his body was recovered early Monday, family members confirmed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • His body was found by a National Park Service agent face-down in the water off the shoreline Monday morning.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of body

Phrases Containing main

Browse Nearby Words

maims
main
mainland
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on main

Nglish: Translation of main for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of yaw

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All