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

Hilton’s attack on Becerra’s dad was never meant for a California audience, where the Latino experience of fluidity in geography and identity holds center stage. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

The Division Series matchups see the American League taking center stage today with the Gurdians playing against the White Sox, and the Rays taking on the Yankees. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Two years after the attack, Hall stood center stage on prostheses, in a suit that ended just above his knees. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026

For voters across the region, these twin crises have brought the economy back to center stage. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 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