as in primary
coming before all others in importance
this is the main point of the study—everything else is secondary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in power
muscular strength
all their might and main could not budge the stalled car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in continent
one of the great divisions of land on the globe or the main part of such a division
islanders periodically traveled back to the main for supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in core
the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts
the main of the tree is still healthy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of main
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The Bills will very likely want to find someone who can offer more versatility somewhere else while being their main returner, and running back might be the best place to find one.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
For mains, opt for the branzino, cooked perfectly with crispy skin, and the long and plump macaroni are covered in a delicious tomato sauce are irresistible.
—Rana Good, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
These kinds of breaches often happen quietly, exposing large amounts of customer information without touching a company’s main systems.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The Bills will very likely want to find someone who can offer more versatility somewhere else while being their main returner, and running back might be the best place to find one.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
Nibble on crispy pork cheek, pearly mussels, and pumpkin and ricotta tortellini for starters—while mains range from confit chicken leg to hoi sin braised short rib (with Asian slaw and wasabi peas) and The Swan Burger, thick and juicy, with applewood cheddar, onion rings and crispy French fries.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
For mains, opt for the branzino, cooked perfectly with crispy skin, and the long and plump macaroni are covered in a delicious tomato sauce are irresistible.
—Rana Good, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
The port has a heavy military presence in addition to being a primary hub for fuel imports, Yemeni sources said.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Its new owner’s restoration and expansion project began in 2020, maintaining the character and materials of the original building while transforming attic space into a primary suite and opening the original attic staircase to the main floor.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Hugo saw that something as simple as shoes could be solved with the right approach and insights, cementing his belief in the power of technology to solve real-world problems.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
This feature gives you more control, giving you the power to decide what is enough for you.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Other countries must compete in qualifiers against nations from the same continent, followed by some inter-continental play-offs for certain countries.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The population of great bustards, Otis tarda, is now down to less than 80 individuals, with some experts estimating the species will go extinct on the African continent by 2036.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
General manager Chris Drury has to make decisions involving his coach, his core and the players in supporting roles.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Zero Waste Plant-Based Countertop Compost Bin $50 Zero Waste $49 $45 Wayfair Specs Made from biodegradable bamboo fiber, this lightweight one-gallon bin reads more like a Scandi bread box than something meant to house apple cores and onion skins.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The two main red grapes here are Syrah and Grenache, with Syrah the predominant variety in the north and Grenache holding first place in the south, where it is also blended with other grapes including Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
18 Apr. 2025
-
For citizenship behavior, relationship quality was the predominant mediator.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Try it as a dynamic warm-up: Experts now generally recommend warming up the muscles with gentle movement, rather than static stretching.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Gentile cites recent research showing that proteins from phytoestrogens—whole soy foods such as edamame (soybeans) or tofu—help support muscle and increase the lean mass of older adults.—
Denise Maher,
Flow Space,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The strength of Taiwan’s economy last year appeared to relieve him of any political need to rally his nationalist base with fist-shaking actions or rhetoric toward the mainland.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Patrolling a paradise under siege Several hundred miles from the Ecuadorian mainland, the waters off the Galápagos Islands glisten with postcard beauty.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This approach marked a departure from some in the traditional cosmetic chemistry, embracing a biology-first methodology that mirrors the body’s natural processes.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
That might sound dramatic, but when your body is under attack all the time, even small tasks — taking a shower, cooking dinner, going to the gym — becomes like climbing a mountain.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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