mainstay

noun

ˈmān-ˌstā How to pronounce mainstay (audio)
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 While there are many approaches to estimating vaccine effectiveness, the test-negative design, or TND, is the mainstay. — Ben Lopman, STAT, 2 July 2026 Gap has always been a shopping mall mainstay, but there have been some exciting collaborations that have put it back on the map in recent years, from Dôen and Zac Posen to Victoria Beckham and Harlem’s Fashion Row. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 The 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao mainstay isn't the most famous goalkeeper in this competition — or even on his own team — but Simón's outstanding play at the back of Spain's superb defense has launched him into the World Cup record books. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 Perennial favorites for restaurants include the Salopian Inn, specializing in Asian fusion; and Star of Greece--a Mediterranean mainstay overlooking Port Willunga Beach. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstay
  1. anchor
  2. backbone
  3. pillar
  4. standby
Noun
  • She has also been spotted working as a substitute anchor for various personnel, particularly on weekends.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • With a fresh margarita in hand, Josef launches into a 70-minute monologue about his Life and Times, which carries on past Nathan’s anchor-watch shift and into Coop’s.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of anchor
Noun
  • Building a century of infrastructure What Bucyrus built in South Milwaukee fanned out across the country, shaping the backbone of modern America.
    — Malika Bowling, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Brut Champagne gives the drink its backbone—its acidity stays crisp against the other players, keeping the drink focused and bright.
    — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • The only way to preserve our republic is to strengthen the pillars of our present with the mortar of our past.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • These clips, showing first-person views from drones striking military and logistical sites, have become a pillar of Ukraine’s wartime propaganda efforts to illustrate battlefield successes against Russia.
    — Marc Santora, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of pillar
Noun
  • Pretoria responded to the threat of violence in June 30 protests with millions of dollars shuffled inside the police budget, tactical units deployed, and soldiers on standby.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
  • Rocket Lab was supposed to have a satellite on standby to go up and inspect True Anomaly’s spacecraft, ready to launch on short notice once military officials gave the order.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026
Definition of standby

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mainstay
mainstays
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Cite this Entry

“Mainstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstay. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mainstay

Nglish: Translation of mainstay for Spanish Speakers

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