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
Examples of main in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Marnie Hunter, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
The center’s job is to mitigate the effects of such machinations, and one of its main tools is forewarning voters through public bulletins.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2024
All three mains end up dead, but the truth, of course, still outs—and, in the process, puts a weirdly heroic spin on Price's Unbreakable-era atrocities.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for main 
Adjective
The estate’s main entrance in Biltmore Village was damaged alongside dozens of businesses located in the historic mixed-use development outside of estate grounds.
—Marnie Hunter, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
The center’s job is to mitigate the effects of such machinations, and one of its main tools is forewarning voters through public bulletins.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
For starters, the Mexican menu boasts a variety of filling appetizers and generous mains.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2024
All three mains end up dead, but the truth, of course, still outs—and, in the process, puts a weirdly heroic spin on Price's Unbreakable-era atrocities.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for main
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'main.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Thesaurus Entries Near main
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share