Find Synonyms

mainspring Synonyms

Another word for mainspring

Choosing another word for mainspring depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The primary motivating force, principal cause, or chief driving power behind a movement, action, or organization.

Usage Example

"A deep desire for economic equality served as the driving force of the nineteenth-century labor reform movement."

Strongest
driving force
impetus
Strong
catalyst
motive
motivation
prime mover
stimulus
spur
engine
impulse

• noun (Context 2)

The principal spring in a mechanical device, especially the one that drives the mechanism of a clock or watch.

Usage Example

"The horologist carefully replaced the broken coil spring to restore the antique pocket watch to working order."

Strong
coil spring
spring

Opposites of mainspring

The opposite of mainspring shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

deterrent
impediment
hindrance
obstacle
disincentive
curb
check
See all opposites of mainspring

• Nearby Words

mainline
mainly
mains
mainspring
mainstay
mainstream
mainstreaming

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Mainspring. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/mainspring
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