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Definitions

main

[meyn] / meɪn /
ADJECTIVE
principal, predominant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
central essential fundamental leading major particular preeminent primary prime special vital
STRONG
capital cardinal chief head necessary premier star
WEAK
controlling critical crucial foremost outstanding paramount prevailing stellar supreme
Antonyms
STRONGEST
auxiliary common inessential inferior minor ordinary secondary subordinate trivial unimportant usual
STRONG
unnecessary
WEAK
extra insignificant nonessential
ADJECTIVE
absolute, utter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
entire
STRONG
brute mere simple utmost
WEAK
direct downright only pure sheer undisguised
Antonyms
WEAK
auxiliary extra inessential insignificant minor nonessential secondary subordinate unimportant unnecessary
NOUN
pipe for system
Synonyms
STRONG
cable channel conduit duct line trough trunk

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.

If you haven’t figured it out, the main export of the U.S. is our standard of living.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Five men and two women were arrested on Sunday outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase during a peace encampment against the Iran war, Suffolk Police said.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

A trader at the capital's main wholesale market, Priyantha Sudharshana Silva, 53, is not blaming the administration for the crisis.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

The fire forced evacuations and closures, with Moreno Valley College announcing it would be closed Friday and Saturday, canceling all events on its main campus.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

I couldn’t understand why we all weren’t skipping the main course and heading right for dessert.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.