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

As Vogue World arrives in Milan, the arcade’s storied central promenade transforms into an open-air runway. — Eleonora Giordani, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026 Runner’s World named Peak Pulse Run Club and Child as central figures in the current campus wellness-darty wave. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 17 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

The delay again has created a potential cash crunch for districts during the wait for their cut — often a main revenue source for local governments — and added to the pile of complaints about the county’s decade-long property tax system upgrade.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
This sandwich gives main character energy, but don’t skip over the other items available at BoJaynes, from specialty spices to wraps.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Defensively, the inside linebacker play wasn’t great and starting middle linebacker DeMarvion Overshown left the game early with a hamstring injury.

— Jon Machota, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Through connections made organically and using Nike as a middle man, Appling tried to fill out his 2026 high school football schedule.

— McClain Baxley for the AJC, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of middle

Adjective

Foreman said the message could be intended to reach independent and moderate voters who are dissatisfied with the administration's immigration policies.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
That same day voters in New Jersey picked moderate Democrat Mikie Sherrill as governor, and voters in Virginia also chose a moderate as governor in Abigail Spanberger.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of moderate

Noun

And both need the metals to build the data centers that will power their AI buildouts.

— Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Build a Command Deck With the Control Center The Control Center was a welcome addition to iOS 7 in 2013, but its implementation still feels more like a junk drawer than a command center.

— Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of center

Adjective

In 2008, a San Francisco court denied Stone's attempt to alter the custody arrangement which listed Bronstein's San Francisco home as Roan's primary residence, with Stone getting visitation rights.

— Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Even with Oracle founder Larry Ellison the primary backer of his son’s ParaBros dreams, the even older Ellison’s net worth, which has been declining of late, may not be able to handle the strain of months and months of such probes.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The 24-year-old, like Gordon, who replaced him in the second half, offered energetic pressing, even sprinting from close to the halfway line to close down the goalkeeper at one point.

— Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of halfway

Noun

The financial bets are large enough for boards to wince at capital expenditure implications.

— Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
Ukraine's State Emergency Service said Tuesday that Russian strikes on Kyiv had killed one person and wounded seven other people since the start of the day, with attacks carried out on the capital's gas stations.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026