CENTER STAGE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

center stage

noun

Definition of center stage

as in top billing

the center of public attention a public health problem that has moved to center stage in recent years

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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 stage Once plated, the steak remains at center stage, adorned with a drizzle of the bright, herbaceous chermoula, which enhances the meat without overpowering its rich flavor. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 Right away, the engineering takes center stage, underscoring both form and function. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026 Maybe the score is meant to be inconspicuous so that the tension of the final service takes center stage. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Brazil, Haiti and Scotland all took center stage. — John Devine, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage

Noun

Oil and gas, in fact, aren’t given top billing in this revision of American science.

— Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Spencer and Waddingham, both executive producers on the series, never sought top billing over the other.

— Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of top billing

Noun

The public spotlight on what happened may have grown less intense, but the attention will again be turned to ground zero as people gather to read names and remember.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Millions of new fans could discover elite international volleyball just before the Olympic spotlight arrives.

— Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of spotlight

Noun

Start with the practical fix that frees attention for what matters next.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
The public spotlight on what happened may have grown less intense, but the attention will again be turned to ground zero as people gather to read names and remember.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

There, limelight hydrangeas decorate a peaceful wedge above the hustle of summertime New York City, and Torres is smiling.

— Nick Remsen, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026
Three years ago, just a couple weeks before we got married, my husband and I planted a dozen limelight shrubs along the sides of our new home.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of limelight

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centers (on)

center stage

center stages

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“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of center stage

noun

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