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
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Recent Examples of main
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
This cake uses that magical trio of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for its main flavoring, but pairs the warm, complex goodness with a tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze for good measure.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Five layers of quintessential Mediterranean flavors — hummus, chickpeas, feta, scallion and herbs, and tzatziki — make for a dip ideal for a party or a hearty vegetarian main.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
One of the campaign’s main goals is to secure $1 billion in federal funding for ALS research over the next three years.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
This cake uses that magical trio of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for its main flavoring, but pairs the warm, complex goodness with a tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze for good measure.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
When the water level dropped as a result, two village water mains and two sanitary force mains were uncovered.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Five layers of quintessential Mediterranean flavors — hummus, chickpeas, feta, scallion and herbs, and tzatziki — make for a dip ideal for a party or a hearty vegetarian main.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
Last week, Reuters reported that Pulte’s own father and stepmother had declared two homes in two different states as their primary residence, prompting a town in Michigan to remove a tax exemption for their home there and charge the couple for back taxes.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
But today, technology was not his primary concern.—
Elie Ofek,
Harvard Business Review,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, global demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, requiring upgrades in power, cooling, and connectivity.—
Maurice Obeid,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The scouting nets are now cast across continents, there are feeder and multi-club models and the possibility of one scout like Dubliner Billy Behan pulling up several players, from a tiny pool, talented enough to become first-team regulars is long gone.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The world might end up ruled by large technology companies that impose their solutions throughout entire continents, leaving little space for homegrown creativity.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Since World War I, the American right has held together as a political movement by prioritizing a conservative vision of white Christian values and private enterprise, while shielding those immutable core principles with expendable public‑facing ideals.—
Allan J. Lichtman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Biglari’s core demands were to stop opening new stores entirely, eliminate the development team to save money, and focus exclusively on improving existing store operations rather than expansion.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Advertisement Lee believes a key factor is that Korean society has no predominant religion but a smattering of similarly sized faiths that maintain a balanced following without chafing against each other.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Should contempt become the predominant way that two partners communicate with one another, one or both will eventually reach a breaking point.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Kylie Jenner shared the details of her augmentation on social media this summer—445 ccs, moderate profile, half under the muscle—and other celebrities followed by posting about their own specs.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Besides fatigue, the other possible symptoms can be quite vague and non-specific like abdominal discomfort, pain or swelling or unexplained weight loss, muscle loss or muscle weakness.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
We are connected to the Spanish mainland via two bridges and a natural isthmus, which has been in use since Roman times.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Strait of Messina Bridge project will speed travel between the Italian mainland and Sicily and incorporate rail connections to Palermo and Catania, which are being upgraded.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Harvest Grapeseed Ritual begins with a dry brush and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rich body butter and a glass of Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The report was researched and written by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which was formed by the Human Right Council in 2021, as an independent investigative body.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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