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.
For now, Heaton’s mainly focused on something different though. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 While Atlanta’s luxury hotels are mainly sequestered to corporate Midtown and Buckhead, Forth’s arrival in Old Fourth Ward brings an exciting luxurious element to the neighborhood. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026 Past winners of the National Medal of Science, which was established in 1959, have mainly been academics and research scientists rather than business leaders. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 Her dad builds custom houses, while her mom assists, mainly working on the interior design aspect. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 8 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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