mainstays

noun

plural of mainstay
as in anchors
something or someone to which one looks for support Mom has been our mainstay in this crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mainstays Rachel Nichols has worked at some of the biggest mainstays in sports media. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 Both styles merge the brand mainstays with Anderson’s playful use of the straddle strap detail most commonly used on penny loafers. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 His lack of experience in the realms of ballet, classical music, opera, and jazz, formerly the center’s mainstays, have concerned some onlookers. — News Desk, Artforum, 9 Oct. 2026 These mainstays offer hardworking actors seasonal jobs, but usually don’t allow for any real narrative besides jump scares and chainsaws. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 The auto manufacturers who are the commercial mainstays of Formula 1 demand an emphasis on electrification and sustainability. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 French Quarter mainstays include a mix of dive bars and craft cocktail lounges with a centralized location that draws both residents and visitors alike. — Kristin Braswell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 Hamaguchi told Deadline that the team painstakingly cemented Vincent and Yuffie into irrevocable mainstays while also giving Zack (not available in my preview) an increasingly important role in the trilogy’s larger time-boggling mystery. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Larry Izzo, Matthew Slater and Nate Ebner were among the mainstays, rarely playing on offense or defense. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstays
  1. anchors
  2. backbones
  3. standbys
  4. pillars
Noun
  • But despite this, they were still conceived of as being located within the mounds themselves, real-world anchors for these strange, marvelous realms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is honoring longtime WBZ-TV News anchors Lisa Hughes and David Wade with a prestigious award.
    — WBZ-News Staff, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • Also with a real understanding that girls and women are the backbones not just of our families, but our communities and our democracy.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The structural backbones of the phalanges are 3D-printed from PLA, while soft silicone interfaces provide friction and compliance when the fingers contact a branch.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • Formulas packed with oils, butters, and skin-care standbys like hyaluronic acid are always helpful.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But anyone returning to their old lunchtime standbys is likely to find a different kind of restaurant waiting for them — one that seemingly highlights everything on the menu except traditional salads.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of standbys
Noun
  • All that remained of Sara’s home were pillars of concrete; most of their belongings were below the rubble.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dedicated to the god Amun, it is known for its beautiful pillars and intricate carvings.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pillars

Browse Nearby Words

mainstay
mainstays
Main Street
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Cite this Entry

“Mainstays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mainstays. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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