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

The biggest lesson from the 2026 World Cup is not that B2B brands are jostling for center stage with B2C sponsors. — Nikos Lemanis, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Jalen Brunson was on center stage in New York again Wednesday, this time for a trio of ovations at the 2026 ESPY Awards. — Reuters, NBC news, 16 July 2026

When the All-Stars took the field Tuesday in Philadelphia, many of the biggest names in the sport were center stage. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Once plated, the steak remains at center stage, adorned with a drizzle of the bright, herbaceous chermoula, which enhances the meat without overpowering its rich flavor. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 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