Synonyms of main

main 1 of 2

adjective

as in primary

coming before all others in importance

this is the main point of the study—everything else is secondary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• primary
• greatest
• predominant
• highest
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• key
• principal
• central
• leading
• chief
• supreme
• overriding
• paramount
• cardinal
• great
• major
• prior
• premier
• top
• primal
• master
• sovereign
• capital
• number one
• overbearing
• grand
• important
• distinguished
• outstanding
• preeminent
• notable
• arch
• noteworthy
• overmastering
• senior
• eminent
• prestigious
• numero uno
• illustrious
• signal
• high-level
• stellar
• superior
• influential
• star
• significant
• famous
• noble
• momentous
• mighty
• incomparable
• famed
• unparalleled
• renowned
• celebrated
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• secondary
• slight
• unimportant
• trivial
• insignificant
• negligible
• subordinate
• inferior
• collateral
• inconsequential
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

main

2 of 2

noun

ˈmān 

1

as in power

muscular strength

all their might and main could not budge the stalled car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• power
• muscle
• beef
• thew
• energy
• force
• might
• brawn
• vigor
• potency
• sinew
• puissance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• impotence
• impotency
• frailty
• feebleness
• debility
• infirmity
• debilitation
• faintness
• enfeeblement
• frailness

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

• continent
• mainland
• landmass
• subcontinent
• supercontinent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• island
• key
• islet
• isle
• atoll
• coral reef
• peninsula
• cape
• barrier reef
• promontory
• headland
• cay

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

• core
• body
• bulk
• weight
• majority
• chief
• staple
• essence
• whole
• bottom
• mass
• entirety
• middle
• center
• burden
• root
• nature
• heart
• focus
• substance
• brunt
• sum
• generality
• subject
• amount
• matter
• total
• heft
• meat
• kernel
• theme
• topic
• nucleus
• hub
• soul
• quantum
• aggregate
• totality
• marrow
• text
• stuff
• seat
• argument
• point
• sum total
• motif
• crux
• gist
• pitch
• essentiality
• pith
• affair
• nut
• quintessence
• nub
• purport

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extension
• component
• part
• element
• section
• ingredient
• constituent
• side
• segment
• adjunct
• accessory
• appendage
• division
• offshoot
• piece
• feature
• aspect
• quality
• angle
• facet

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of main

Adjective

Published on the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival, the letter signed by 600 cinema professionals, raised concerns over the growing control of France’s media and entertainment sectors of tycoon Vincent Bolloré, who is Canal+’s main shareholder via his Bolloré Group. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 May 2026

The two main species are Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 May 2026

Noun

The Juneteenth recipes below span smoky mains, fresh sides, red drinks, and celebratory desserts—all made for gathering with family and friends. —Nicole A. Taylor, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2026

The restaurant serves an extended menu of American fare, including sandwiches, burgers, salads small and large and hearty mains, as well as soft drinks, mocktails and cocktails. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026

Phrases Containing main

• coup de main
• with might and main