centrist

noun

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

Synonyms of centrist

• moderate
• middle-of-the-roader

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

Moskowitz, a centrist known for cooperating with Republicans, and Larkin, a democratic socialist, are far apart on many issues. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Gluesenkamp Perez, a centrist who was first elected narrowly in 2022 and has made a name for herself by sometimes breaking with her party, successfully fended off primary challengers on Tuesday to advance to the November ballot. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Today, perhaps the foremost image of a moderate is that of a centrist on a left-right spectrum. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026

Centrists have said no to bigger government, from public renewable energy to universal social programs. — Ryder Kessler, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1