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

The 2026 election is expected to reflect this enduring centrist electorate, with successful leaders appealing to the largest possible number of voters who desire change, but only to a certain extent. — Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

In the end, voters selected Bass, a Democratic centrist, and democratic socialist City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who ran to Bass’ left, to face off in the runoff. — National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Could a party with a tent big enough to include both progressives such as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal and national-security centrists such as Senators Chris Coons and Mark Kelly converge around a vision that can connect with Americans seized by anger and mistrust? — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

For Mistral, being viewed as centrist is a benefit. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1