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

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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 His lack of experience in the realms of ballet, classical music, opera, and jazz, formerly the center’s mainstays, have concerned some onlookers. — News Desk, Artforum, 9 Oct. 2026 These mainstays offer hardworking actors seasonal jobs, but usually don’t allow for any real narrative besides jump scares and chainsaws. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 The auto manufacturers who are the commercial mainstays of Formula 1 demand an emphasis on electrification and sustainability. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Ray’s Country Smokehouse & Grill, a Gastonia barbecue mainstay for more than six decades, is officially closed for business. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay
Noun
  • Sulaeman said that a tanker carrying fuel to Bali suffered an anchor problem while preparing to unload cargo, delaying deliveries to the island’s main fuel terminals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • After starting out in Canadian radio in the 1960s, Morrison joined the CTV Network in 1973 as a correspondent, producer and eventually a news anchor.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the Dodgers’ quest for a third straight World Series title, the rotation is going to have to serve as the backbone.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Cryptography forms the backbone of online encryption, used in web browsers, secure messaging and online banking.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The three pillars of regenerative agriculture Here’s an easy way to picture it.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The collaboration falls during MCM’s 50th anniversary year and serves to reaffirm sport as a pillar of its history.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Local restaurants have also suffered, including the closure of Socalo, a standby for modern Mexican cuisine from Border Grill chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, on Valentine’s Day.
    — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • When your cooler cycles off, S2000 uses only 10W to keep AC ports ready, falling to just 2W in standby with outlets off.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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