Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

main thing

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 point meat and potatoes name of the game net nitty-gritty nuts and bolts point sum and substance what it's all about whole story

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.

"The main thing is security from settlers. That's why we need new faces, young people willing to fight for our rights," said Abed Jabaieh, 68, former mayor of Ramun village.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

“We’re going to talk about what that takes, and we are completely committed to just being really focused on us and our journey and keeping the main thing, the main thing.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

“Citizens should have no doubt that the main thing here is to ensure security,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

"The main thing I wanted was the sense of empathy you felt for Teddy," he said of the lead character, played with characteristic bravura by the always-watchable Jesse Plemons.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

The main thing, she realized, was to forget your childhood dreams, for the Fire Swamp was bad, but it wasn’t that bad.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman