CENTRAL Synonyms: 191 Similar and Opposite Words

central 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsen-trəl

Definition of central

as in main

coming before all others in importance the central theme of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in middle

occupying a position equally distant from the ends or extremes will hold the conference in the central part of the country in order to encourage delegates from both coasts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in moderate

avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas with all of the attention being paid to the party's right and left wings, the vast central core has been largely ignored

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

central

2 of 2

noun

as in center

a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest a health club that has become dating central for singles in the area

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 central

Adjective

The fresh data demonstrated economic health, despite a bout of elevated inflation that continues to weigh on shoppers and nudge central bankers toward a possible interest rate hike. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Floors seven through nine serve as the primary corporate workspace, linked by a central staircase designed to encourage movement and reduce reliance on elevators. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

While his opponent has not made the allegations against Miller central to his campaign as of yet, outside groups have stepped in to elevate the accusations. — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 31 July 2026 Warsh said in the time between the two latest Fed meetings, the market has reacted to real economic data and the reduction in forward guidance from the central may have played a role in that. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for central

Recent Examples of Synonyms for central

Adjective

Rhodes owes Orton another lick after getting punted in the head following their WrestleMania 42 Night 1 main event brawl.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Spectrum’s second flight began with ignition of the rocket’s nine Aquila main engines, burning a mixture of propane and liquid oxygen propellants to generate more than 150,000 pounds (675 kilonewtons) of thrust.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Munoz knows this too, saying brands have plenty of young people to hawk their wares but not middle-aged influencers.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
But despite the initial slide, Case said the opportunity to serve the middle market at the scale the company now can through the acquisition has tremendous value potential for shareholders.

— Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of middle

Adjective

Villegas prevailed in a caustic primary over state lawmaker Jasmeet Bains, a moderate who was backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Each session was 60 minutes, with the actual exercise portion of the session done in about 20 minutes, with participants cycling hard and fast enough to get their heart rate into the moderate and vigorous zone.

— Michelle Marchante September 4, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of moderate

Noun

The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
The center makes the protection calls, and often, zone runs cut vertically toward the center.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of center

Adjective

The club prefers Taylor to serve as the primary organizational voice to relay its message — and to take the brunt of criticism.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The charcoal floor tiling and island in the corner kitchen feel like something Rick Owens would have dreamed up, as are the primary bathroom’s concrete floors and shower stall.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The 26-year-old information technology administrator consumed a Red Bull energy drink around the film's halfway mark to stay alert.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 July 2026
The Pirates are 9 1/2 games behind the National League Central Division leading Milwaukee Brewers – but only two games out of a playoff spot at the halfway point in the season.

— Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of halfway

Adjective

For these brands, lab-grown is in the name, and their styles are more akin to traditional natural diamond brands.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, the business of journalism has changed so much financially, and a third of journalists don’t work for a traditional news organization.

— Jocelyn Noveck, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of traditional

Noun

The bank expects power networks to account for roughly one-third of group profits by 2029, up from 23% in 2025, which would help cut capital costs.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
This influences how capital is allocated, which capabilities are funded, what risks are accepted, and whether growth translates into sustainable cash flow and returns.

— Kumar Rupesh, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026