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

President Trump made improving Americans’ health a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign. —Christian Josi, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

Mayor Quinton Lucas called the Aladdin a centerpiece of downtown. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025

The Pelicans’ franchise centerpiece made his debut five years ago. —Zach Harper, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Guam is the centerpiece of the second island chain, while Okinawa belongs to the first island chain. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

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