centripetal force
noun
: the force that is necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path and that is directed inward toward the center of rotation
a string on the end of which a stone is whirled about exerts centripetal force on the stone
compare centrifugal force
Examples of centripetal force in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
About those competing forces: the rotating tables produce centripetal force, pushing the balls to the periphery.
—
Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 Dec. 2024
And also, as expected, Biles was a 4-foot-8 centripetal force that moved the entire room with every step.
—Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 30 July 2024
If there isn’t a force like that in the play, the centripetal force sends everybody flying.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2024
Notwithstanding his latest setbacks, Putin remains the centripetal force holding the Russian state together.
—Time, 30 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for centripetal force 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 Dec. 2024
And also, as expected, Biles was a 4-foot-8 centripetal force that moved the entire room with every step.
—Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 30 July 2024
If there isn’t a force like that in the play, the centripetal force sends everybody flying.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2024
Notwithstanding his latest setbacks, Putin remains the centripetal force holding the Russian state together.
—Time, 30 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for centripetal force
Dictionary Entries Near centripetal force
Cite this Entry
“Centripetal force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centripetal%20force. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share