main point

NOUN

central idea

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basic idea basic thought central principle central thought main idea

STRONG

core crux essence gist heart keynote pith point substance

WEAK

basic principle basis

NOUN

bottom line

Synonyms

STRONGEST

core crux essence income profit reality

WEAK

basis conclusion determination fiber final decision fundamentals key point last word loss main idea main thing meat and potatoes name of the game net nitty-gritty nuts and bolts point sum and substance what it's all about whole story

NOUN

name of the game

Synonyms

WEAK

bottom line chief thing essence real issue where it's at

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Making money isn’t the main point of the government’s investments, but the accrued gains are welcome.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

And yet the science is not the main point.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

When the basketball world convened in Los Angeles for the NBA All-Star Game, the main point of discussion wasn’t the upcoming playoffs or the looming trade deadline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Beyond that, the main point of similarity between Bessette and Diana is that the paparazzi hounded both – Diana to death, and Bessette to resentful exhaustion.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

This, at least, is the accepted explanation, though like most economic explanations it seems, under certain lights, to omit the main point.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

main point

Example Sentences

Related Words