Synonyms of centrist

centrist 1 of 2

adjective

as in moderate

avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas

several centrist candidates were elected, apparently in a reaction against the extremists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moderate
• central
• middle-of-the-road
• traditional
• orthodox
• neutral
• conventional
• rational
• reasonable
• sensible
• levelheaded
• nonrevolutionary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• radical
• conservative
• extremist
• revolutionary
• ultra
• liberal
• excessive
• reactionary
• progressive
• rightist
• leftist
• subversive
• revolutionist
• violent
• inflammatory
• provocative
• fanatic
• exciting
• rabid
• provoking
• incendiary
• dissenting
• agitating
• inciting
• fomenting
• instigating
• rabble-rousing

centrist

2 of 2

noun

ˈsen-trist 

as in middle-of-the-roader

a person who holds moderate views

the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moderate
• middle-of-the-roader
• reformer
• progressive
• compromiser
• accommodationist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extremist
• revolutionary
• conservative
• rightist
• revolutionist
• liberal
• leftist
• reactionary
• radical
• ultraist
• right-winger
• left-winger

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of centrist

Adjective

The development comes as Crowley, a more centrist politician, was viewed by mainstream Democrats as a safer bet than Hong, a staunch socialist, to beat Tiffany in the tight race. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

But to his legions of enemies — from MAGA reactionaries to the Anti-Defamation League to mere centrist Democrats — Piker is a loudmouth extremist who’s actively harming the country. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

Noun

But those who stand outside of it—call them centrists, liberals, or traditional progressives—are undoubtedly the duller ones. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026

But Bronin and Larson are ideologically similar, unlike other primaries pitting young liberals against older centrists, leaving age and experience as their primary differentiators. — Ben Binday, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2026