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

At center stage, a fey stranger appears, warbling in a high operatic voice, with bright-blue gel patches under his eyes and a white towel wrapped around his head, diva style. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026

The Murdochs are thinking about a post-Trump era and looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election — believing the network will be center stage as both the Republicans and Democrats choose nominees. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Arriving right on time for the back stretch of fall weather, the upcoming Nike Air Force 1 Low ’07 Safari features a full colorway of Desert Khaki/Summit White/Metallic Silver/Black and puts the brand’s safari print pattern on center stage. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Hot Topic is taking band tees off the wall and bringing them center stage. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 21 Oct. 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