Definition of mainstaynext
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 Senior Oliver Brewer, who also kicks for the football team, has been a mainstay in goal. Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 Oral PrEP is still the backbone of prevention While lenacapavir is the new shiny breakthrough, oral PrEP remains the mainstay of prevention. Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026 Sarah Paulson, a mainstay in the court of Murphy whom Roth had known for years through Broadway, was the catalyst for his casting. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a mainstay with Greece’s national team and could wind up as a Spoelstra opponent at the World Cup and Olympics. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay
Noun
  • Back in 1892, French artist Paul Signac dropped anchor here, encouraging friends such as Henri Matisse and André Derain to follow.
    Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • While the guests enjoy their shrimp, the wind picks up significantly and starts to drag the anchor.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Nurses form the essential backbone of post-neurosurgery ICU care, providing continuous vigilance and skilled bedside assessment after complex spine and cranial procedures.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The road was the backbone of Charlotte’s transportation at the time.
    DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Webb later revisited the region in infrared, seeing through more of the dust and revealing stars hidden inside and behind the pillars.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Washington and Beijing also appear to be making no progress towards building a pillar of their trade truce, a bilateral board of investment, the head of a top US business group told the South China Morning Post.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Mandarin Orange Chicken This chicken is an old standby that’s voted a customer favorite by TJ’s year after year.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Colors like the perfectly balanced red Ruby Woo, deep beige Velvet Teddy and bright orchid Heroine are beauty-industry standbys, and the brand offers more than 150 lipstick shades in total.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mainstay

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