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
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 main
David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 May 2025
Its main mast is 160 feet high; the Brooklyn Bridge is only 127 feet above the water.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Add the veggie side dish to your main by adding sliced mushrooms, chopped fresh spinach or kale, or leftover roasted vegetables.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Adjective
Unfortunately, only Canberra can track Voyager's part of the sky, and its main 230-ft (70-m) DSS-43 antenna was scheduled to undergo a major refit beginning in May 2025 and continuing until February 2026.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 May 2025
Its main mast is 160 feet high; the Brooklyn Bridge is only 127 feet above the water.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
Noun
During the week of March 17, Thomas said North Shore Gas plans to replace their two-inch main between Western and Oakwood.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Add the veggie side dish to your main by adding sliced mushrooms, chopped fresh spinach or kale, or leftover roasted vegetables.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
-
In the place of Gantu, the character Jumba instead assumes the primary villain status in the remake.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
People.com,
24 May 2025
-
David Hogg, a Democratic National Committee vice chairman, has elevated his national profile but risked his standing in the DNC for promising to primary older incumbents in Congress.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Both Melling and Skarsgard show an intimate understanding of how the power dynamic between their characters works, but what gives Pillion its kick is the friction sparked when Colin starts wanting more.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
-
Preeminence in science, advanced technology, and medicine is also a key element of America's soft power, strengthening friendships and alliances with countries that want to develop closer collaboration with U.S. universities, companies, and research centers.—
Robert Hormats,
Time,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
This marks the fifth continent to host the awards since its inception in 2020 and will coincide with the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (known in shorthand as COP30), which the prince is also attending in Brazil.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Europe is our largest trading partner, is responsible for 16 million jobs on both continents.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
But the core concept has been expanded in smart and surprisingly thrilling ways.—
Blake Simons,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
-
Another trap is building a product that unrelated to your core expertise.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
The soda business grew in popularity in a predominant Mormon area, according to the New York Times, as the church prohibits drinks that are hot caffeinated like tea and coffee.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
While Putin’s predominant image in the outside world is that of a ruthless strongman, for domestic audiences the Kremlin has tried to soften this image.—
Peter Rutland,
The Conversation,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
These symptoms last at least three months after the initial infection and range from muscle aches and joint pain to brain fog and fatigue.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2025
-
Heart failure weakens the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump enough blood and oxygen to the brain, Johanna Contreras, MD, director of heart failure at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, told Health. Conditions that occur alongside heart issues.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Its largest island is just 21 square miles, roughly 600 miles off the mainland coast.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
21 May 2025
-
Its shares traded in Shenzhen, mainland China’s smaller share market after Shanghai, gained 1.2% after dipping earlier in the day.—
Matt Ott,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
This expands the air cavity created when their body enters the water.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
European football’s governing body positions its tournaments to dominate the end of each season.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share