centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs 

ˈse-nər-

1

: an object occupying a central position

especially : an adornment in the center of a table

2

: one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole

the centerpiece of a political agenda

Synonyms of centerpiece

• core
• essence
• heart
• root
• kernel
• point

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

While the screenings are the centerpiece of the festival, organizers are placing equal emphasis on creating spaces for connection. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Trump has turned to Depression-era trade penalties Trump has made tariffs the centerpiece of his second-term economic agenda. — Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Get this expansive desk centerpiece with a huge $130 price cut. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026

Still, Björk’s engagement with her mother in the place where she was raised adds contextual heft, as does the show’s role as a centerpiece of the programming for this year’s Reykjavík Arts Festival. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for centerpiece

• altarpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• masterpiece
• pilates
• specialise
• stabilise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice

Kids Definition

centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs 

: a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table