Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Mainly” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Used to show that something is true for most cases but not all.
Meaning of Mainly
Mostly; for the most part; chiefly.
How to Pronounce Mainly
IPA: /ˈmeɪnli/ Stress: Oo
Stress the first syllable: MAIN-ly. Do not say meyn-LEE.
4 Synonyms for Mainly — Words Similar to Mainly
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
mostly
/ˈmoʊstli/Mostly for the largest part; not completely, but mainly.
Example: The cake is mostly chocolate.
Smart Synonyms for Mainly — When to Use Each
mostly
more common in everyday speech
primarily
more formal and emphasizes ranking
largely
suggests broader scope or impact
How to Use Mainly and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The team is mainly men, with a few women. A2
- Our diet consists mainly of vegetables and rice. B1
- The book is mainly concerned with climate change. B2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Mainly
What is another word for "mainly"?
Common synonyms for "mainly" include: mostly, chiefly, primarily, largely.
What can I say instead of "mainly"?
Try one of these alternatives: mostly, chiefly, primarily, largely. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "mainly" formal or informal?
"mainly" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "mainly" instead of "mostly"?
Use "mainly" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "mostly" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.