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 Skall Studio is a mainstay on the Copenhagen Fashion Week schedule, best known for its billowing cotton prairie dresses, chic linen suits, and cozy woolen sweaters. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026 And Ryan went on to be a mainstay in the Minnesota rotation with two All-Star appearances. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026 Ruth Ware, a mainstay of the thriller world, burst onto the scene in 2015 with IN A DARK, DARK WOOD. — New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Hank Green has been a YouTube mainstay for nearly 20 years as one half of the Vlogbrothers alongside brother and author John Green, as well as the host and creator of educational series SciShow and CrashCourse. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay

Noun

Tassel accents make a great outfit anchor; what once adorned the home brings elegance and opulence to your wardrobe.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Joe gives Joy a quick lesson on dropping the anchor beforehand.

— Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of anchor

Noun

While federal policy typically focuses on new construction or subsidized housing, NOAH owners are the backbone of our affordable housing ecosystem, accounting for 75% of affordable homes nationwide.

— Maggie Cassidy, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Like building a giant erector set, Meir and Menon worked to assemble and bolt together the triangular brackets on the 3B power channel, located on the far right, or starboard (S6) segment of the station's backbone truss.

— Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of backbone

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

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 16 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of mainstay

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on mainstay

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

zeugma

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes