mainstays

noun

plural of mainstay
as in anchors
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 mainstays Many franchise mainstays will also return, including the complex space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 Flag lowering and raising ceremonies, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs are mainstays at many summer camps today. — Seth T. Kannarr, Washington Post, 26 June 2026 Chalamet and Stiller were courtside mainstays at Madison Square Garden throughout the postseason. — Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026 Flag lowering and raising ceremonies, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs remain mainstays at many summer camps today. — Derek H. Alderman, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 Despite his strong debut, Kuroda-Grauer said he was focused on the A’s success after Monday’s loss dropped them to 40-44, still outside the playoff picture with multiple mainstays injured. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 Newer spaces like Salted Melon, The Craic and Laurel Park offer fresh takes with a relaxed feel and fun patio spaces, while mainstays like Rhino Market and Arthur’s fill up with longtime fans. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 Of course, the unequivocal evangelists of flip-flops are none other than the Olsen twins, whose own label The Row sells a number of luxe pairs that’s seen equal amounts of division and desire; many of which are mainstays in warm-weather wardrobes of Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 23 June 2026 Breakout stars Jacob Elordi and Teyana Taylor, along with Hollywood mainstays Jenna Ortega and Jon Bernthal, and new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro are among the 529 invitees to the newest member class of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstays
  1. anchors
  2. backbones
  3. standbys
  4. pillars
Noun
  • Ball and Bridges were also two of the best four players the Hornets had last season (along with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel who are staying and will be among the anchors of the 2026-27 team).
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026
  • On the other hand, a large yard filled solely with small plants can look indistinct unless a few larger plants are added as anchors.
    — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2026
  • Data centers also need to be close enough to users and network backbones to provide fast digital services.
    — Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • Old standbys have been reborn, too.
    — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
  • While the appetite for $500-per-person omakase may be cooling slightly, Indian and Levantine spots are as in-demand as the city’s classic steakhouses and French and Italian standbys.
    — Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
Definition of standbys
Noun
  • Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of pillars

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mainstay
mainstays
Main Street
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on mainstays

Nglish: Translation of mainstays for Spanish Speakers

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