Definition of mainlandnext
as in continent
one of the great divisions of land on the globe or the main part of such a division the boat back to the mainland leaves once every two days

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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 mainland Before November, mainland Chinese tourists were one of the largest groups heading to Japan. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026 The puzzles didn’t stretch wide enough to show its location in the Pacific Ocean, closer to New Zealand than the mainland United States. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 And the hassle of waiting way too long at the bridge, trying to get back and forth from the mainland to the barrier island. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 Kharg Island is off the coast of the Iranian mainland and deep in the Persian Gulf. Skylar Woodhouse, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainland
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainland
continent
Noun
  • Historically, anti-LGBTQ laws have been entrenched in many parts of Africa, a predominantly conservative continent.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
  • One traveler, Keith Jackson, ended up changing up continents for his vacation to avoid a days-long delay.
    Lauren Victory, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mainland.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainland. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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