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 of center stage

• 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

The world is fortunate to have him at the helm of the International Energy Agency (IEA) at a moment when energy has returned to center stage. —Jason Bordoff, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

This green-ombre dial brings the anniversary colorway to center stage, and packages it up with a white-gold and steel Rolesor case and bracelet. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

Now, support for the war is expected to come center stage on Capitol Hill. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

At Friday’s opening ceremony, the bar was set high in terms of local star power, with Jamaican dancehall great Sean Paul taking the center stage. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

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