centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs 

ˈse-nər-

1

: an object occupying a central position

especially : an adornment in the center of a table

2

: one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole

the centerpiece of a political agenda

Synonyms

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, centerpiece screenings during the fest will include Blitz, Hard Truths, Nightbitch, The Piano Lesson, The Seed of the Sacred Fig and September 5. —Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Sep. 2024

All three have made tough positions on property crime, fentanyl dealing and homelessness a centerpiece of their campaigns. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024

Pushing these partners to take responsibility for their future and their own security through more inclusive, accountable, and transparent governance should be the centerpiece of the next U.S. administration’s Middle East policy. —Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2024

The loon was commissioned by Minnesota United owner Bill McGuire and the McGuire Family Foundation to form the centerpiece of the sculpture park, designed by Populous. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs 

: a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table