1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
the central theme of the book
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in middle
occupying a position equally distant from the ends or extremes
will hold the conference in the central part of the country in order to encourage delegates from both coasts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in moderate
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
with all of the attention being paid to the party's right and left wings, the vast central core has been largely ignored
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
a health club that has become dating central for singles in the area
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of central
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The Southern Cross is rising in the southeast, about halfway up the sky with the long side of the central post pointing to the right (southwards).
—Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 Jan. 2025
For instance, frequent calls between an agent and a particular number could point to an informant central to an investigation.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for central
Adjective
These efforts solidify India's role as a central partner in the U.S.'s Indo-Pacific strategy, especially as tensions with China continue to escalate.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The Southern Cross is rising in the southeast, about halfway up the sky with the long side of the central post pointing to the right (southwards).
—Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
But Night also made unionization central to his performance.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 27 Jan. 2025
For instance, frequent calls between an agent and a particular number could point to an informant central to an investigation.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for central
Recent Examples of Synonyms for central
Adjective
-
These kinds of breaches often happen quietly, exposing large amounts of customer information without touching a company’s main systems.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The space, which is located at 1415 4th Ave. had housed offices and a spa in the past, and because of this the layout includes a large main area and multiple smaller 10-foot by 13-foot rooms.—
Virgie Tovar,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Senior middle hitter Will Ashum added seven kills with two solo blocks and a block assist for the Eagles (17-2), while Aaron Dennie chipped in with five kills during the second game.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2025
-
While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Those with mild to moderate disease can be given oral rehydration solutions.—
Mark Kortepeter,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
In a state like Maryland, where many voters are moderate or center-left, this imbalance can be politically toxic.—
Marc Lester,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The move comes on the heels of massive changes at the center, as President Trump fired the president and chairman in early February.—
Ashraf Khalil,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Research shows harboring resentment erodes your mental and physical health, consuming your thoughts, keeping the hurt at the center of your daily activities, weighing you down and depleting energy that could be channeled into more positive and creative directions.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The port has a heavy military presence in addition to being a primary hub for fuel imports, Yemeni sources said.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images Less than two months before the official start of hurricane season, the nation’s primary disaster-response agency faces an uncertain future.—
Molly Taft,
Wired News,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rose is the 13th man age 40 or older to lead at the halfway point of a major since 2012.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Piastri was coasting around the track for much of the race, building up a solid lead over his rivals, before a safety car injected some jeopardy at the halfway point.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hepworth takes a legal-first approach as opposed to other crypto ''influencers'' or traditional financial consultants, assisting investors in understanding risk, security, and long-term wealth strategies as well as market opportunities.—
Kody Boye,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
For many years, the term Afrobeats, referring to a West African pop style that integrates dancehall, rap, and R. & B. with traditional African rhythms, was controversial, rejected by some artists for being overly broad.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On the other side of the Nile, which runs through the capital, Babakir Khalid, 2 months old, gasped for breath.—
Declan Walsh,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The pilot eventually managed to land the airplane outside Belize City after being forced to circle the airspace between northern Belize and the capital.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Central.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/central. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share