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

The nearly 400,000 square-foot atrium—five stories high—is the centerpiece of the latest, stunning renovation. —Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

After signing Walker Buehler, Casas, who likely would have been the centerpiece of a trade for a starting pitcher, seems to be staying in Boston. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Advertisement No doubt about it, Mystik Dan, winner of this year’s Derby, is the centerpiece for what is possibly the best day of racing during the almost six-month season. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024

The inn was the centerpiece of a roadside attraction called Santa Claus, Arizona, which was started in 1936 when the Hoover Dam was built. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 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