centrist

1 of 2

noun (1)

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist 

1

often Centrist : a member of a center party

2

: a person who holds moderate views

centrism

ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm 

noun

centrist adjective

centrism

2 of 2

noun (2)

cen·​trism ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm 

plural -s

: a political philosophy of avoiding extremes of right or left

centrist

ˈsen-trist 

adjective

Synonyms of centrist

Noun (1)

• moderate
• middle-of-the-roader

Examples of centrist in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Noun

In the end, voters selected Bass, a Democratic centrist, and democratic socialist City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who ran to Bass’ left, to face off in the runoff. —National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

But that doesn’t sit well with centrists, who continue to see China as an existential rival. —Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

For Mistral, being viewed as centrist is a benefit. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 9 June 2026

Johnson has struggled to get the Republican Party aligned as lawmakers on the right have said the measure doesn't go far enough and some centrists with tough elections ahead in November express concerns about immigration enforcement practices. —Justin Papp, CNBC, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

centr- + -ism

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1