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

Big progressive win Nixon, an outspoken progressive, ended up easily defeating Vindman, who was much more of an establishment centrist. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

In Senate primaries, Democrats nominated progressives Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, but democratic socialist Francesca Hong fell short in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary to centrist David Crowley. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Centrists say the 40-year-old Milwaukee County executive's victory is a demonstration of the activist left's limits outside of deep-blue districts and heavily populated cities. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2026

Blakeman is well liked in Nassau, one of the most populous counties in New York, and has promoted himself as a centrist in campaign advertising. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1