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mainspring Synonyms
Another word for mainspring
Looking for synonyms for mainspring? Sourced from our comprehensive thesaurus, here is a list of similar words and another word for mainspring, organized by relevance and context.
• 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 impetus of the nineteenth-century labor reform movement."
Strongest
impetus
Strong
motive
catalyst
inspiration
Weak
core
• 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 to restore the antique pocket watch to working order."
Weak
coil
Opposites of mainspring
Looking for antonyms? The opposite of mainspring varies depending on the context. Here are a few common opposites:
effect
consequence
byproduct
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Mainspring. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/mainspring