center stage

noun

1

: the central part of a theatrical stage

2

: a central or highly prominent position

an issue that has taken center stage in the campaign

center stage adjective or adverb

Synonyms

• top billing
• spotlight
• attention
• limelight
• catbird seat

Examples of center stage in a Sentence

The actor stood alone at center stage.

As we wrap up work on the old project, a new one moves to center stage.

The issue is expected to take center stage in the elections.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lacrosse was only center stage in Kansas City for 48 hours, but the mark was left on fans and players alike. —Kansas City Star, 6 July 2025

While there are concerns that human rights issues are not center stage in this agreement, there is little leverage the U.S. has in the region for societal change. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Career and family dynamics are center stage for you, Scorpio. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025

Khalil, whose plight has been center stage in President Donald Trump's crackdown on vocal opponents of Israel's incursion into Gaza, had been in immigration agents’ custody since March. —Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 21 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for center stage

• disengage
• interstage
• macrophage
• multistage
• age
• gauge
• phage
• plage
• rage
• wage
• alienage
• assuage