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

Restaurant Asador Etxebarri, which is located in Spain's Basque Country, won top billing as the World’s Best Restaurant 2026 at the event held at the ornate Teatro Municipal de Lima.

— Nathan Tavares, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Undefeated Miami received top billing in the committee’s first crack at the CFP rankings Tuesday, followed by Georgia and undefeated Utah.

— Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of top billing

Noun

Mamdani, who rose to the national spotlight through his mayoral campaign in 2025, flexed his influence in the primaries by endorsing three progressive House candidates in deep-blue New York City districts.

— Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Maybe the lack of spotlight and vodcaster microphone lowered his guard.

— Luke Jones, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of spotlight

Noun

Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage still runs through its veins, so its dedication to care, service, and attention to detail remains.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Your bed might be the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home, so why not give it a little extra attention?

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 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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“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of center stage

noun

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