centrist

noun

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist 

1

often capitalized : a member of a center party

2

: a person who holds moderate views

centrism

ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm 

noun

centrist adjective

Synonyms

• middle-of-the-roader
• moderate

Examples of centrist in a Sentence

The candidate hopes to appeal to centrists nationwide.

the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely

Recent Examples on the Web

Swalwell, a centrist compared with many in California’s congressional delegation, earned the enduring enmity of the president and his followers during the first Trump administration, when the congressman was a constant presence and unrelenting critic on social media and the cable TV circuit. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025

In the end, two Republicans opposed Mr. Patel’s nomination, Senator Lisa Murkowski, a centrist from Alaska, and Senator Susan Collins of Maine. —Adam Goldman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Polls indicate Musk is deeply unpopular among centrists and moderates in addition to Democrats, reports The Hill’s Alexander Bolton. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Feb. 2025

Any Democratic candidate in 2028, whether an economic populist or, like Smith, an independent centrist, will have to align with laissez-faire social-liberal politics. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1