the mainstream

Meaning 1: Society

Belonging to or characteristic of the most usual, typical, or accepted style, thought, or activity of a group or society.

Examples

• The film was criticized for being too mainstream and lacking originality.
• His political views were considered too radical for the mainstream.

Meaning 2: Noun

The main current or direction of a body of water.

Examples

• We drifted into the mainstream of the river.
• The boat was caught in the strong mainstream and quickly carried downstream.

Meaning 3: Verb

To integrate or incorporate into the main body or into the prevailing current of thought or activity.

Examples

• The school is working to mainstream students with disabilities.
• The company aims to mainstream its new technology across all departments.

Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪnˌstriːm/

How to Use the mainstream

mainstream media (collocation)

The most widely circulated or influential news and entertainment organizations. — "The scandal was widely reported by the mainstream media."

mainstream culture (collocation)

The dominant set of beliefs, practices, and values of a society. — "Her fashion sense was always on the edge of mainstream culture."

mainstream appeal (collocation)

The quality of being attractive or interesting to a large number of people. — "The film had surprising mainstream appeal despite its dark themes."

Synonyms of the mainstream

Words with a similar meaning to the mainstream:

• conventional
• orthodox
• popular
• commonplace

Antonyms of the mainstream

Words with the opposite meaning to the mainstream:

• unconventional
• niche
• fringe