centrist

noun

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist How to pronounce centrist (audio)
Synonyms of centristnext
1
often Centrist : a member of a center party
2
: a person who holds moderate views
centrism noun
centrist adjective

Examples of centrist in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many Democratic lawmakers have called for a complete defunding of ICE, while centrists have kept their opinions on the subject muted. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026 During recent 11th-hour scrambles on the House floor, GOP leaders have had to assuage the concerns of protesting lawmakers, both centrists and hardliners, in order to move bills. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026 Menin, an Upper East Side Democrat who’s seen as a centrist counterweight to Mayor Mamdani’s administration, is expected to make the appointments at a Council meeting Thursday where picks for all of the body’s other committee chairpersons will also be announced, the sources said. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026 Hochul, a centrist from Buffalo, faces challenges from both her political left and right in this year’s election. Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centrist

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrist was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrist. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

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