Synonyms for

Main

Verb / meɪn / Another word for main — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Main means the most important or primary.

Synonyms & similar words

dependent principal briny chief master independent primary primary central principal key leading major essential chief fundamental foremost dominant prevailing predominant pivotal basic crucial vital paramount critical significant

Synonyms by register

Formal

principal primary chief paramount

Informal

top key number one biggest

Literary

foremost prime

Antonyms

minor secondary unimportant trivial ancillary subsidiary

Common collocations

  • main course
  • main road
  • main point
  • main reason
  • main idea
  • main concern
  • main event

Word family

noun majority
adjective major
adverb mainly

Usage note

The word 'main' is most commonly used as an adjective meaning 'most important'. As a noun, it often refers to the principal part of something, like the 'main of a ship'.

Example sentences

  1. The main reason I am going to the store is to buy milk.
  2. The main event at the circus was the trapeze act.
  3. The main road through town was closed for construction.
  4. The main goal of the project is to increase sales.
  5. The main attraction at the zoo was the baby elephant.

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