center 1 of 2

noun

ˈsen-tər How to pronounce center (audio)
Definition of centernext
1
as in hub
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest a stretch of coastline that has long been the area's center of tourism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in middle
an area or point that is an equal distance from all points along an edge or outer surface the center of the earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

center

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to consolidate
to bring (something) to a central point or under a single control centered administrative duties under the command of a single person

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to focus
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective the students centered their attention on final exams

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of center
Noun
In South Korea, almost eighty per cent of children regularly attend a hagwon—a private-tutoring center that supplements their schooling and prepares them for tests—which means that many kids are spending up to twelve hours a day in a classroom. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 In addition, heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding as tropical rain bands associated with Tropical Depression Two move onshore, with the system’s center remaining offshore. — Meteorologist Melissa Nord, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Verb
The film marks the latest project for Hidden Empire Sports, which also recently announced a documentary centered around NFL star Cameron ‘Cam’ Heyward. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 20 July 2026 Hybrid system tested The record-setting campaign centered on GE Aerospace’s megawatt-class, multi-kilovolt hybrid-electric propulsion system, developed under NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for center
Recent Examples of Synonyms for center
  1. hub
  2. middle
  3. consolidate
  4. focus
  5. capital
  6. midst
  7. concentrate
  8. mecca
Noun
  • In El-Obeid, a strategic trade and aid hub that is home to more than half a million people, many now fear what comes from the sky.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • In Europe, Moscow launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine, while Kyiv ramped up its bombing campaign by targeting logistics hubs belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • The stock now sits near the middle of that channel, suggesting it is not stretched.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • The neighborhood/area Daunt’s sits in the middle of Montauk’s classic motel zone, with the Plaza and restaurants and shops along Highway 27 a few steps in one direction and Kirby Park Beach in the other.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of middle
Verb
  • The declaration appeared to eliminate the possibility of a future electoral challenge as Ortega and Murillo continue consolidating control over the country’s political institutions.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • According to the think tank InSight Crime, the alliance between these factions was one of the main reasons the Sinaloa cartel consolidated itself as one of the most powerful in the region.
    — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of consolidate
Verb
  • Chen’s work focuses on using seismological data to improve methods to identify and monitor nuclear tests.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • In the meantime, Wall Street is focusing on core engagement and topline metrics to see if Netflix can stay on top of its targets.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • Authorities in the Belgian capital said that a number of charred bodies had been found in an elevator at the site.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
  • Collado said the capital regional area has more than 9,000 hotel rooms, along with thousands of short-term rental units.
    — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • What were the refineries doing there in the midst of the urban plain in the first place?
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • In the midst of the controversy, Eugenie—who shares sons August and Ernest with Brooksbank—has reportedly banned the former Duke and Duchess of York from the hospital.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026
Definition of midst
Verb
  • For the majority of the hearing, senators concentrated on questioning Erica Schwartz, the nominee for CDC director who appeared alongside Kaufman.
    — Helen Branswell, STAT, 15 July 2026
  • They’re concentrated in the Southeast, but lone star ticks have been making their way north and creeping in from the coasts.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of concentrate
Noun
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • As one of the darkest spots in the lower 48, Grand Staircase-​Escalante is also a mecca for stargazers, with much of its acreage ranked as Bortle Class 1—​​meaning that on clear nights the Milky Way is bright enough to cast noticeable shadows and even appears to have three dimensions.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 25 June 2026
Definition of mecca

Phrases Containing center

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centenarian
center
centered
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Cite this Entry

“Center.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of center for Spanish Speakers

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