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

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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 Pequod’s is a mainstay in the competitive Chicago pizza scene, but don’t call it deep dish. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 Black players have been a mainstay in the NWSL but still make up a small portion of the league. — Pj Green july 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Precision medicine, which personalizes medicine and tailors care to the individual, has become the mainstay of healthcare. — Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Lands’ End Cotton Jersey Dress Don’t head to checkout without considering this Lands’ End Cotton Jersey Dress that’ll serve as a mainstay in your warm-weather vacation wardrobe. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay

Noun

The disruption extended far beyond the classroom, leaving communities to absorb the loss of institutions that had long served as neighborhood anchors.

— Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Defensive tackles Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino return as anchors inside, while the Hoosiers also added Kansas State edge transfer Tobi Osunsanmi from the transfer portal.

— Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

That pair — alongside Alejandro Kirk, who is under contract through 2030 — are the backbone of this team.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Millions of households that once formed the backbone of linear TV reach are no longer reachable through traditional cable buys.

— Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

The cues are on the pillar next to the transformer pool table.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Dior’s men’s fragrance business revolves around two modern pillars—Sauvage and Homme—and the prolific Kurkdjian thinks about the two pillars as neighboring territories.

— Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of pillar

Noun

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
Our choice today is English breakfast, another old standby from the pantry.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 July 2026

Definition of standby

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mains

mainstay

mainstays

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“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mainstay

noun

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