centrist

noun

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

Synonyms of centrist

• moderate
• middle-of-the-roader

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

Someone like the centrist Representative Jared Golden—who has recently taken himself out of contention for the job—or Mills. — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

Political career Member of the opposition Eisenkot entered politics in 2022 as a member of the National Unity party, an electoral list led by the centrist Benny Gantz and the center-right Gideon Saʿar. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026

Room for Disagreement Party centrists are skeptical of leaning too far into lessons learned from the string of primaries in deep-blue seats. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 July 2026

As frustrated centrists are quick to point out, primary victories in deep-blue urban districts won’t flip the seats necessary for Democrats to win congressional majorities. — W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1