Definition of mainstaynext
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support Mom has been our mainstay in this crisis

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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 mainstay The first two, who have since become mainstays in his midfield, arrived at this latest World Cup under similar circumstances, having suffered and overcome serious injuries and without enough playing time to regain their form. Juan Claudio Matossian, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026 Ultimately, SpaceX wants to use Starship as its mainstay rocket, replacing the company’s current workhorse, Falcon 9. Lee Billings & Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 16 July 2026 In 2011, her career came full circle when Lake appeared on an episode in the final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show alongside other talk show mainstays. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Agriculture and farming are a mainstay of North Dakota’s economy. Kirk McClure, Fortune, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay
Noun
  • Celebrity Chef Eric Adjepong, a festival anchor, was particularly impressed by the diverse mango varieties, noting their versatility beyond sweetness for both savory and sweet dishes.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury expert Stephania Bell, talk show host Bart Scott and NFL Network analyst Charles Davis were also laid off as well, according to Front Office Sports.
    Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Darzalex, considered a backbone therapy, is J & J’s biggest single drug by sales.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Then there are the casual beachfront spots that give Las Terrenas its backbone.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Each strike and counterstrike chipped away at the pillars of the agreement, which has now collapsed, though there are still efforts to salvage it.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • The brighter silver paint contrasting the greenhouse and A and D pillars against the darker bronze lower body somewhat detracts from the overall look.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Pretoria responded to the threat of violence in June 30 protests with millions of dollars shuffled inside the police budget, tactical units deployed, and soldiers on standby.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
  • Rocket Lab was supposed to have a satellite on standby to go up and inspect True Anomaly’s spacecraft, ready to launch on short notice once military officials gave the order.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

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“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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