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
Bradley Krae, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
This has been one of its main bugbears for years, with several engine types experimented with.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Think of this confetti rice as halfway between salad, side, and substantial vegetarian main.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
My main safety concern is the electric scooters flying down the sidewalks.
—Bradley Krae, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026
This has been one of its main bugbears for years, with several engine types experimented with.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
This beautiful main only takes 10 minutes out of your day.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Think of this confetti rice as halfway between salad, side, and substantial vegetarian main.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
By reducing interfacial resistance and suppressing the growth of lithium dendrites, the technology addresses a primary mechanical barrier to the commercial use of lithium metal anodes.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
-
First District voters will choose a Republican candidate in the May 5 primary election.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Stars’ 71 power-play goals ranked first in the NHL in 2025-26, and Johnston’s 27 were the second-most in a single season since the 2004-05 lockout.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
They're driven very much by power, domination, control.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The backstory Opened in December 2022, the hotel is Hilton’s first luxury property in Morocco and the first in the country for the Conrad brand, which currently numbers a benchmark of nearly 50 properties across five continents.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
-
This will be one of a record nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season, which will take place across four continents in seven countries.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The core dispute is the skyrocketing cost of healthcare premiums.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Objects that formed between the soot and frost lines will be less dense, will have the capacity to possess some volatiles, and can have a wide variety of masses, but should always have rock-and-metal cores.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The physicality ramped up early in the second period when the B’s fourth line flexed their muscle and cracked Lyon.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The AeroPilates Reformer helps tone muscles, improve flexibility and boost cardio health with customizable intensity for full-body workouts.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This is bad news for the river that sustains mainland Southeast Asia.—
Anton L. Delgado,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Getting there Reaching Culebra requires a ferry, small flight, or private sailing charter from mainland Puerto Rico.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two former players were deemed permanently ineligible to participate in NCAA play after the governing body found them in violation of potential game manipulation for sports betting.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The modeling industry has long played a role in perpetuating unrealistic body standards, though there have been cyclical advances and setbacks.—
Rory Satran,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Habeas petitions have become the predominant path for immigrants seeking release from detention.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Besides Paisley Park, the second most predominant setting in her life with Prince is Marbella, Spain.—
Darío Gael Blanco,
Vanity Fair,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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