Definitions

mainly

[meyn-lee] / ˈmeɪn li /

ADVERB

for the most part

Synonyms

STRONG

chiefly primarily principally

WEAK

above all essentially first and foremost generally in general in the main largely most of all mostly on the whole overall predominantly substantially to the greatest extent usually

Antonyms

STRONG

secondarily

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mainly nipping the ball up the Lord's slope, Smith took the edge of Gay, then pinned Root lbw for eight.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Mainly, though, the film is an exercise in high-decibel disgust generation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Mainly, the loans can be difficult to value and are risky in periods of economic trouble.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Mainly, this matters in the realm of cinematic and box office achievement, for which “Sinners” won a 2026 Golden Globe.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

Duane reached the shoreline and crossed the Mainly Frozen Cold Ocean until he reached the jagged gash in the bow of the Shipwreck that served as a door.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

mainly

Example Sentences

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