centrist

1 of 2

noun (1)

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist 

1

often Centrist : a member of a center party

2

: a person who holds moderate views

centrism

ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm 

noun

centrist adjective

centrism

2 of 2

noun (2)

cen·​trism ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm 

plural -s

: a political philosophy of avoiding extremes of right or left

centrist

ˈsen-trist 

adjective

Synonyms of centrist

Noun (1)

• moderate
• middle-of-the-roader

Examples of centrist in a Sentence

Noun (1)

The candidate hopes to appeal to centrists nationwide.

the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Wisconsin showed this week the power centrist voters have to prevent DSA from reinventing America in its own image. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026

NPAs are hungry to elect centrists who believe that compromise is not a dirty word. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

Evers’ example is one other centrist Democrats should emulate as this internal debate continues to play out. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

But those who stand outside of it—call them centrists, liberals, or traditional progressives—are undoubtedly the duller ones. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

centr- + -ism

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1