NYT Dictionary
MAINLY
/ˈmeɪnli/AdverbMAIN-lymain|ly · 2 syllablesGrade 4
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2026
Meaning
Of a person or thing being the driving force influencing the outcome of an event; chiefly; certainly for the most part.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English maynly; equivalent to main + -ly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
in the mainenergeticallypowerfullystronglyearsplittinglylustilyraucouslythunderouslya lotextremely
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: