mainly

adverb

main·​ly ˈmān-lē How to pronounce mainly (audio)
Synonyms of mainlynext
1
obsolete : in a forceful manner
2
: for the most part : chiefly

Synonyms of mainly

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Examples of mainly in a Sentence

you mainly need to focus on improving your golf swing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mass of men serve the state thus, not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Swiping jokes word for word, these bodacious bots mainly lift from young female comedians. — New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Rain chances rise to 35% to 65% Thursday evening, mainly west and northwest of Interstate 35. — Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026 At Netanyahu's party headquarters, filled mainly with media, the few supporters present chanted Netanyahu's name, draping themselves in flags with his face on them and kissing posters. — Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainly

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainly was in the 13th century

Rhymes for mainly

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Browse Nearby Words

mainliner
mainly
main/major road
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Cite this Entry

“Mainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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