Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for main idea. Search instead for main ideas.
Definitions

main idea

[meyn ahy-dee-uh] / ˈmeɪn aɪˈdi ə /
NOUN
central idea
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basic idea basic thought central principle central thought main point
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 point 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
core
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basis body bottom line crux essence focus foundation heart importance nucleus origin root substance thrust
STRONG
amount base bulk burden consequence corpus import kernel mass meat middle midpoint midst nub pith pivot purport quick significance staple upshot
WEAK
meat and potatoes nitty gritty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
exterior exteriority outside
STRONG
cause insignificance source unimportance
WEAK
covering perimeter surface
NOUN
essence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aspect basis bottom line character core crux element lifeblood meaning nature principle quality reality root soul spirit structure substance
STRONG
attribute backbone base being bottom burden caliber constitution entity essentiality fiber form fundamentals germ grain kernel life marrow meat nitty-gritty nub nucleus pith point property quiddity quintessence stuff timber vein
WEAK
be-all and end-all chief constituent essentia name of game virtuality
Antonyms
STRONG
abstract exterior exteriority outside top
NOUN
point
Synonyms
STRONGEST
idea matter question score subject theme topic
STRONG
argument burden core crux drift force gist head heart import kicker marrow meat motif motive nitty-gritty nub pith pointer proposition stuff text thrust tip tip-off
WEAK
bottom line name of the game nuts and bolts punch line subject matter
Antonyms
STRONG
bottom exterior exteriority outside surface
WEAK
bluntness dullness personality whole

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 idea stands in that it’s where I can go for just me; but I don’t take baths anymore, I don’t have time.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2024

The main idea is that there is a new kind of computing that isn’t here yet, but it’s coming.

From NewsForKids.net • May 29, 2024

“Kasselakis is a prime example of this trend, the main idea being that the adoption of sheer imagery — not just gay, but also young and energetic — will do the trick,” Mr. Seferiades added.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023

"There were differing beliefs about the book, but the main idea was that it symbolised the All Blacks," says Smith.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2023

But I agree with the main idea behind the nostalgia: literate people should know how to think about grammar.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.