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

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

The process is not all that unlike the wheeling and dealing made famous in the writings of 15th-century diplomat and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, another noted centerpiece of Italian history. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 May 2025

Potential starting lineups taking shape The Sun’s only returning guard from last season is Marina Mabrey, and the veteran sharpshooter looks to establish herself in 2025 as the team’s centerpiece. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2025

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Venmo, long a centerpiece of PayPal’s growth story but often criticized for its lack of monetization, is becoming a bigger contributor to the business. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025

And it's beautifully sculpted, as the mid-engine is designed to always be visible from both inside and outside the car – the plenum being the centerpiece; a perfect balance of aesthetics and intake performance. —New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for centerpiece

• altarpiece
• frontispiece
• mantelpiece
• masterpiece
• pilates
• summarise
• syntheses
• apiece
• aris
• assise
• caprice
• cerise

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