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

Trump has since sought to revive the tariffs, which were a longtime political goal of his and a centerpiece of his economic agenda in his second term. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

The Holocaust Center, currently located on the campus of the Roth Family Jewish Community Center in Maitland, last month unveiled a new centerpiece exhibition that previews the new museum’s focus on local stories. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2026

In the living room, a rare and fully restored Alexander Cone fireplace seems to float down from the ceiling, serving as the centerpiece in the otherwise minimally outfitted space. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2026

The centerpiece of her outfit was a vintage lacy Blumarine mini dress from the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, featuring delicate pink and silver embroidery along a low V neckline and a drop-waist silhouette. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026

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