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 Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of main
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Speaking to The New York Times, a Republican strategist in Alaska says Hafner could potentially cost Peltola — whose main opponent is GOP candidate Nick Begich III — her seat if enough people vote for him and don’t rank the incumbent second on their ballot.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024
Enjoy it on its own or serve it with an endless variety of mains including steak, chicken, shrimp, or pork tenderloin.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for main 
Adjective
The Kyiv Independent reported Tuesday that Ukraine's chronic manpower shortage is a main factor in local retreats and collapses in its defense lines that mean quicker Russian gains across the front.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Speaking to The New York Times, a Republican strategist in Alaska says Hafner could potentially cost Peltola — whose main opponent is GOP candidate Nick Begich III — her seat if enough people vote for him and don’t rank the incumbent second on their ballot.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
The menu includes pizzas, street tacos, burgers, sandwiches and mains including chicken and waffles, chicken pot pie and homestyle meatloaf.
—Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024
Enjoy it on its own or serve it with an endless variety of mains including steak, chicken, shrimp, or pork tenderloin.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for main
Recent Examples of Synonyms for main
Adjective
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Theoretically, the broadcast ban was aimed at both loyalist and republican groups, but the primary target was Sinn Féin and, consequently, Gerry Adams.Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
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This decrease is attributed to lower sales volume and delays in shipping from a primary supplier.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Education and community engagement appear to be two areas of unique strength for Shelley, who even in a brief interview spoke passionately and persuasively about the power of music.Samantha Dunn, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
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Instead of driving China and North Korea apart, Washington should try to capitalize on Beijing’s power over Pyongyang by urging China to clearly communicate two redlines to its partner.Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
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They can also be found on every continent except Antarctica.Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
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While Britain, Argentina, Australia, Norway, France, New Zealand and Chile have long held territorial claims over the vast continent, since 1961 it has been governed by the Antarctic Treaty which guaranteed its use for peaceful purposes and scientific research.The Week UK, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The system, which has 50 stations across all five counties in the core Bay Area, has a total ridership of more than 4.8 million.Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
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The core question, however, is whether these changes will be enough to help Starbucks compete in a crowded market, according to Deidre Popovich, an associate professor of marketing at Texas Tech University.Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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One search through artificial intelligence chatbots generates an exponential amount of 25 times more electricity than a Google search and will become the predominant energy consumer across several countries in a mere number of years.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
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Beijing is used to being the predominant external powerbroker with respect to the North and aims first and foremost to maintain balance and stability on the Korean Peninsula.Daniel DePetris, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
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These include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and aching muscles.Aliss Higham, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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The Brazilian had been sidelined for the crucial game against Barcelona after picking up a muscle injury late on in the victory over Borussia Dortmund, but is now back in action.Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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In addition to the slowdown in mainland China, the Bain report also highlighted shifting purchasing patterns – particularly among younger consumers.Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024
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And multinational media groups have turned to Taiwan as Hong Kong and mainland China companies have become more complicated to work with.Patrick Frater, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Observing tail posture in rats adds a new layer to our understanding of rat emotional expression, reminding us that emotions are expressed throughout the entire body.Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
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The first of two explosions went off on Wednesday evening in a parking lot near the court building and a second blast came seconds later in front of the court, where the man’s body was found.Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near main
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/main. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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