centrist

1 of 2

noun (1)

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist 

1

or less commonly 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

Weird, since Prime Minister Jean Chretien was a pragmatic centrist and President Jacques Chirac was on the classic right. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Although Paz’s Christian Democratic Party lacks a majority in Congress, the centrist and right-wing lawmakers that dominate both chambers rallied behind the deal. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Future Caucus supports and mentors more than 2,000 young lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, ranging from liberal to centrist to conservative. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026

Socialists want retribution after centrists sided with Republicans. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

centr- + -ism

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1