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

Centrists have said no to bigger government, from public renewable energy to universal social programs. — Ryder Kessler, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

Both are moderates, and the race was not a proxy fight in the party’s deepening feud between progressives and centrists. — Jonathan J. Cooper, Fortune, 23 July 2026

But the entire argument about Obama’s ties to Stevens is one that centrists relish. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 15 July 2026

The centrists, meanwhile, will likely need her to hold the National Future at bay. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1