Thesaurus results for MAINSTAY

mainstay

noun

ˈmān-ˌstā

Definition of mainstay

as in anchor

something or someone to which one looks for support Mom has been our mainstay in this crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 former Fox mainstay, who switched networks in 2022, is set to call his first Super Bowl for ESPN in February and the extension would enable him to repeat that feat in 2031. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026 Some described Blue Bird as a mainstay on a street with both newer and longtime restaurants. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 The 32-year-old defenseman considers the city home, having been a mainstay with the Leafs since the 2013-14 season. — Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The plan had the department store mainstay narrowing its focus, reimagining its best locations and hitting the accelerator at Bloomingdale’s. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay

Noun

The captain drops the anchor near a reef where fan-like corals in shades of purple and gold overlap, creating what looks like an underwater metropolis.

— Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
The event program will be hosted by Good Day LA anchor Brooke Thomas and features a DJ set by Katie Otro.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

Simple knits are the backbone of a fall wardrobe, and the Zesica V-neck Sweater has the understated look that Rag & Bone does so well.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026
In summary, Linde represents a rare and highly attractive opportunity to invest in the hardware backbone of AI at a standard defensive valuation.

— Harvey Stober, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

Target, which is starting to get some traction in its turnaround, but is still lagging Walmart, is making style a pillar of its new approach.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Kicillof and others have seized on widespread economic hardship under Milei to rekindle support for the movement's traditional pillars — free education, public health care and workers’ rights.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of pillar

Noun

CareFlite responded with two EMS units and a supervisor, with a helicopter placed on airborne standby, fire officials said.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
This old standby has been reinvigorated with new introductions that please on a number of levels.

— Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of standby

Browse Nearby Words

mains

mainstay

mainstays

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of mainstay

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

bellwether

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes