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 But Clayface, a Batman villain created in 1940 by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, is still an unlikely character to put center stage. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 The Dream will play Games 3 and 4 on their center stage, also, at State Farm Arena. — Ajc Sports, AJC.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Senate and House debates return to center stage this week as candidates nationwide make their cases to voters less than a month before Election Day. — Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 11 Oct. 2026 Hilton’s attack on Becerra’s dad was never meant for a California audience, where the Latino experience of fluidity in geography and identity holds center stage. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage

Noun

Sharing top billing is Cézanne’s Tasse, verre et fruits, a still life painted around 1877 that features apples, a cup, and a glass arranged on a tabletop.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The chicken wings, tenders and sandwiches get top billing here.

— Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of top billing

Noun

At last, Harrison Butker has a reprieve from the widening public spotlight — but only because its glow is shining instead on a kicker more unsettling than the one enduring a slump.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026
Piker’s popularity among young left-leaning voters has propelled him beyond the internet and into the national spotlight as a prominent voice on the American left.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of spotlight

Noun

Its fictional characters secretly controlled small workplace decisions without attracting attention.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Our server was effusive in her congratulations and attention, especially to my husband’s nut aversion.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of attention

Noun

The majority have no chance of making it into the 120-seat Parliament — but a quirk of the Israeli election system ensures that even the most obscure contenders get their moment in the political limelight.

— Lia Lapidot Aaron Boxerman and Lia Lapidot, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista, 29, can count themselves among Hollywood’s most limelight-shy couples.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of limelight

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centers (on)

center stage

center stages

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Style

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of center stage

noun

Example Sentences

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