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 Five-Point Consensus, ASEAN’s diplomatic centerpiece, remained stalled. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

The video is a centerpiece of the prosecution's case. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 17 June 2025

The centerpiece of the property is the 6,500-square-foot main Craftsman residence, which includes five bedrooms and two bathrooms. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 June 2025

Instead of the Independence Day centerpiece last year, Chestnut competed in a Netflix special with old rival Takeru Kobayashi on Labor Day. —Mercury News Staff, Mercury News, 16 June 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