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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.

“It’s really exciting when you can be in a place where everybody has the main thing being the main thing,” Atkins said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

"You know, the main thing is just that music enriches your existence," he muses.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

"The main thing was the work of the second row," Galthie told France Television.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

"I think everyone had the same mindset of, all right, the main thing is just to get through to Super Eights," said Bethell.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Watching him disappear into the red curtain, Bridge was struck by the knowledge that Sherm was the main thing she looked forward to every day.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead