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 Animation, for so long a mainstay of the French biz, however, has been suffering. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 Emerging brands like Fforme, Colleen Allen, and Conner Ives embraced velvet—a seasonal mainstay—while lace was worked head-to-toe at Khaite, Saint Laurent, and Gabriela Hearst. Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026 The obvious and stated precursor to Daisy Chain Fields is the Gen X mainstay Lilith Fair, the touring festival of female artists sprung from Sarah McLachlan’s justified ire over sexism in the music industry. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026 Rucker made played in a total of 139 games appearances for the Panthers over nine seasons as a mainstay of their defensive line. Nicky Wolcott, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay
Noun
  • Eventually, Yamada resurfaces with beer cans, lighters, sunglasses, two phones and a vape cartridge — but no anchor.
    Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But the focus on the anchor-outs’ relatively modest contribution to bay pollution is indicative of a broader tendency, by no means unique to Marin County, to blame homeless people for everything that goes wrong.
    Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ukraine repeatedly has targeted oil facilities that form the backbone of Russia’s economy, one of the world’s largest energy producers.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Building the nuclear backbone One focus will be NANO Nuclear’s HALEU transportation systems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Footwear is a key part of the strategy within several pillars outlined by Joseph Alkire, Kontoor’s president and chief financial officer.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Sports remains the third pillar of the country strategy, according to Oishi, who cites Prime Video’s existing rights to MLB, NBA and live boxing coverage in Japan.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Formulas packed with oils, butters, and skin-care standbys like hyaluronic acid are always helpful.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Flight standby lets passengers try to take an earlier flight when an unassigned seat becomes available.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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