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
Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Homelessness is certainly a major problem, said Julie Hayden, CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center, the area’s main shelter.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Butter Paneer Paneer cubes are cooked in three types of fat here: ghee, butter and cashew butter for a luxurious vegetarian main.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
Greenwood never played for his boyhood club again, despite the charges being dropped in February 2023 when the prosecution’s main witness withdrew her cooperation.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Homelessness is certainly a major problem, said Julie Hayden, CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center, the area’s main shelter.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Noun
This meat-lovers main even comes together with just 10 minutes of hands-on time.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Butter Paneer Paneer cubes are cooked in three types of fat here: ghee, butter and cashew butter for a luxurious vegetarian main.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
The primary exception is that every third update does require a reboot, that enables a fuller update that can get to the parts of your PC a hot patch might not reach.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
-
There are two primary types of retail pharmacies: chain pharmacies, which are operated by larger companies, and independent pharmacies, which are often locally owned.—
Lucas Dufalla,
Arkansas Online,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Sandman With the power to control and transform into sand, Sandman (his real name is Flint Marko) is a tough opponent for Spidey and his friends.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
30 May 2025
-
Fill Power Fill power of the comforter can be a consideration when choosing the right comforter for you and your climate.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Friday’s announcement came around six months after the finale of Swift’s blockbuster Eras tour, which launched in March 2023 and ran for 149 shows across five continents.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
-
The 149-show Eras Tour visited five continents and sold more than $2 billion in tickets, and millions more in merchandise.—
Nicolas Vega,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
None of the league’s top 25 players by Instagram followers—including Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and James Harden, three core members of OKC’s last Finals team in 2012—made deep playoff runs this spring.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
4 June 2025
-
Bitcoin’s Code Remains Decentralized, But The Politics Are Shifting Despite growing political entanglements, Bitcoin’s core code has not changed.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Mercantilism had been the predominant economic model of the prior two centuries, advocating for trade surpluses with all nations.—
Sarah Keohane Williamson,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
Fedde was using a steady four-pitch mix, with his sinker being the predominant pitch.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Magnesium is an essential mineral in many body processes, including blood pressure control, muscle and nerve function, energy production, and blood sugar regulation.—
Ashley Wong,
Health,
27 May 2025
-
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition weakens the body’s connective tissue, affecting the skin, muscles and joints.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
New World has been struggling to turn around its business amid an ongoing property downturn in Hong Kong and mainland China, prompted by a mix of challenges including the pandemic and interest rate hikes.—
Zinnia Lee,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
New World’s financial troubles emerge amid ongoing property sector struggles in both Hong Kong and mainland China.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
In a clip shared across social media, multiple men are seen throwing punches, body slamming, and attempting to break up the violence as onlookers watch and record each moment.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
2 June 2025
-
No small feat for a body that’s endured more than 45 years of extreme athletics.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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