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 The Eagles were pleasant mainstays of these channels, slipping right in alongside the bands that had inspired them and reminding listeners of a time that was slipping away. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026 While a few mainstays are still around like Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, with Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart, this latest announcement sees a continuation of a freshening up of its coverage. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Digital media and the people who star in it have been cultural mainstays for teens’ entire lives, so creating social media, video or podcast content seems a natural, albeit nontraditional, career path. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 In years past, mainstays like Trent McDuffie or Bryan Cook might have been around to help teach on the fly. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 But kebabs are joined by a variety of stews, salads and eggplant dishes that are mainstays of Persian cooking. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 For players who are or have the potential to be mainstays — think first baseman/outfielder Kyle Stowers and middle infield combination Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards — the Marlins would need to be blown away with the offer. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 The mainly American mainstays monopolize the market, while denim production has tight margins and is resource-intensive. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 July 2026 Two Atlanta sports radio mainstays will stick around longer and a longtime station will switch formats this month in local radio news. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mainstays
  1. anchors
  2. backbones
  3. standbys
  4. pillars
Noun
  • Hours saved, error rates, conversion lift and resolution time all work as anchors.
    — Brian Harmison, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Four rescuers used anchors and rope systems to reach Martin, secure him and guide him away from the steep gully.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • More specifically, insects are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and are part of the arthropod phylum, which also includes spiders, crabs, and centipedes.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Look under rocks for macroinvertebrates (animals without backbones, like stoneflies).
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 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
  • Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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