center stage

noun

Synonyms of center stagenext
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

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
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.
Ultimately unsuccessful in his second White House bid, Jackson nonetheless characteristically held center stage at the Democrats’ 1988 convention in Atlanta, where questions swirled about the strength of his support for the Democratic ticket. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 Two hours later, Ukraine’s urgent plight – the defining security crisis of Europe’s post-WW2 era - was passionately portrayed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, evoking the issue that should have been center stage breaking through the MAGA noise. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026 The New England Patriots are on center stage and the high school sports are on the back burner. Jacob Rousseau, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026 When the Seattle Seahawks play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, referee Shawn Smith will be at center stage before the game. Adam Gretz, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of center stage was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20stage. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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