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 When the All-Stars took the field Tuesday in Philadelphia, many of the biggest names in the sport were center stage. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 16 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for center stage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage

Noun

Nonwhite voters claim top billing As the first-in-the-South primary, South Carolina was more decisive than Iowa and New Hampshire for nominees Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

— Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Nonwhite voters claim top billing As the first-in-the-South primary, South Carolina was more decisive than Iowa and New Hampshire for nominees Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Joe Biden in 2020.

— Mike Catalini, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of top billing

Noun

Now, a new film from writer-director Michael Russell Gunn, The Brink of War, gives this historical moment a worthy spotlight.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
The offseason addition of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has again lifted the Heat into the national spotlight, as it is currently set to play 25 games on national TV this season.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spotlight

Noun

Temperature control requires some attention, as the trailers can heat up quickly in direct sunlight and cool dramatically after dark.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Bernard gets more of the attention; Weru, a native of Kenya, was an international rugby player who is now learning football.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of center stage

noun

Example Sentences

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