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
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
Their main job is responding to requests for aid made through 211.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
The leak was discovered in a 4-inch gas main at Main Street and University Avenue, according to Atmos Energy.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
Both men share an office doorway off a main hall inside Patriots’ headquarters, where their nameplates are affixed at about eye level.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
Their main job is responding to requests for aid made through 211.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Diners can choose from hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, mains like Steak Frites, cheeses, and more.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
The leak was discovered in a 4-inch gas main at Main Street and University Avenue, according to Atmos Energy.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
France is, however, the primary importer of Mauritian nutmeg today.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
16 Aug. 2025
-
This time the logo appeared as part of a broader Leidos sponsorship on Bubba Wallace’s Toyota, giving the Space Force visibility within a partnership rather than as the primary branding.—
Greg Engle,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Such programming has been a major hit for Netflix since debuting WWE Raw in January, and Disney is clearly hoping for something of the same regular tune-in power for its sports app.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Protests throughout the spring and summer have demonstrated significant (and even international) opposition to the Trump Administration’s agenda, particularly its attempts to consolidate power and undermine key institutions and services.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Their interest in me reflects their respect for my continent and my country.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Originating in the 7th century CE, this architectural tradition spans three continents and encompasses not only mosques but palaces, schools, markets, and private residences.—
Mike Miller,
Architectural Digest,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
At the core of this leadership practice lies coaching—not the performance-review archetype, but deep, generative coaching that shifts mindsets, surfaces mental models and anchors purpose in action.—
Thomas Lim,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
And if the core problem here is that matches will be taken away from clubs’ traditional locations — and more pertinently, their traditional fans — that is on the clubs themselves and, in the case of Villarreal versus Barcelona, the Spanish federation.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Marilyn Miller Language Academy is an elementary school with 526 students and a predominant Hispanic population of 69%, according to state data from the 2023-24 school year, the latest available.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Aug. 2025
-
May or May Not Support Healthy Weight The predominant type of saturated fat in coconut oil is medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For incumbents with strong data moats and industry muscle, the temptation to follow suit is growing stronger by the day.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Because of its effects on the ciliary muscle responsible for focusing, a user’s sight may dim slightly while distant objects become blurry.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Hang Seng Tech index, which tracks the some of the largest mainland Chinese technology companies listed in Hong Kong, rose over 2%, lifted by Tencent Music Entertainment, which surged over 14%, a day after the company beat estimates for second-quarter revenue and profit.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Moscow annexed the Crimean Peninsula, to the south of mainland Ukraine, in 2014.—
Robert Birsel
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Always look for those with methylcobalamin on the label, as this is the most bioavailable form of B12, meaning the body can absorb it the best.—
Perri Ormont Blumberg,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Her client list is a testament to her method that has sculpted the bodies of many Hollywood movie stars, like Blunt, who Monique prepared for the grueling action movie Edge of Tomorrow, where the actress starred with Tom Cruise.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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