center stage

noun

1

: the central part of a theatrical stage

2

: a central or highly prominent position

an issue that has taken center stage in the campaign

center stage adjective or adverb

Synonyms of center stage

• top billing
• spotlight
• attention
• limelight
• catbird seat

Examples of center stage in a Sentence

The actor stood alone at center stage.

As we wrap up work on the old project, a new one moves to center stage.

The issue is expected to take center stage in the elections.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gemini May 21 – June 20 What playful idea wants center stage now? —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026

May 21 – June 20 What playful idea wants center stage now? —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Though the food is center stage at Smorgasburg, non-food retail vendors will also appear at the Fort Lauderdale location. —Amanda Rosa march 31, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

The new star has moved from horizon to center stage for Auriemma, freshman Blanca Quinonez, from Argentina by way of Italy, picked up the scoring slack with 14 points in the first half as the Huskies led by seven. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for center stage

• disengage
• interstage
• macrophage
• multistage
• age
• gauge
• phage
• plage
• rage
• wage
• alienage
• assuage