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

Relevance
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
Thrust into the starting lineup due to Iliana Rupert’s pregnancy announcement, Stokes has started every game at center this season and is in the conversation for the WNBA all-defensive team. — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Microsoft’s actions are part of a growing charm campaign among big tech companies as data center projects grow more unpopular. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
Season 1 will be centered around DC bad guy Gorilla Grodd, who has psychic powers and other skills after his encounter with an alien spaceship. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 Multiple clusters of cyclosporiasis cases are being investigated this year by the US Food and Drug Administration in collaboration with the CDC and state partners, including the particularly large multistate outbreak centered in the Midwest. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 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
  • The city is an important oil refining hub, home to two refineries and a petrochemical plant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In Salisbury, which has become a hub for Haitians who work in nearby factories and farms, ICE recently started detaining people in parking lots and other areas immigrants frequent, according to Fouché of Safe Harbor Circles.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • And Gakpo offers a solution both on the wing and through the middle, should injuries plague Spurs’ centre-forwards again.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
  • So why did Stephenson stop in the middle of a 10-mile run Saturday morning to pull out his phone and try to sign up his family to do it all over again?
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of middle
Verb
  • Some opponents of the merger have argued that the deal will effectively consolidate all of March Madness under one corporate umbrella and ultimately harm competition for college sports rights.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The move underscores Rabat’s ongoing diplomatic campaign to consolidate international control over the territory, with the highway connecting the city of Tiznit in Morocco to the city of Dakhla, hundreds of miles into Western Sahara.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of consolidate
Verb
  • The project, which involves a partnership between the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and other researchers, focuses on collecting floating coral egg and sperm bundles.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Andrew’s research now largely focuses on how brain function is associated with various mental states—in particular, religious and mystical experiences.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • Those seriously hurt were transported 43 miles away to the capital of North Shewa Administrative Zone, Debre Birhan.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The sticky wicket, which has been the stickiest for AI-tech megacaps, is investor angst around capital expenditures and a sluggish pace of return that could send the stock on a nosedive.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • The defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers are making moves in the midst of an ongoing court battle between the NCAA and plaintiffs involved in a court case that could have major ramifications on the upcoming season.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In the midst of several complications, Brianca began hemorrhaging.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of midst
Verb
  • Residents said the procedure concentrated flights over communities that previously experienced fewer direct overflights.
    — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • These cumulative burdens are often concentrated in communities that have experienced long-term disinvestment, including limited infrastructure spending, fewer business loans and lower property investment, often rooted in practices such as redlining.
    — Mahbubur Meenar, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of concentrate
Noun
  • The popular theatre was a cultural mecca that drew thousands to its operas, ballets and other public events, and hosted legendary greats including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of mecca

Phrases Containing center

Browse Nearby Words

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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of center for Spanish Speakers

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