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

Despite its central location, the one-bedroom suite remains quiet because it’s situated at the back of the building. — Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026 The almanac notes that National Weather Service records from the central Plains show that some cities and areas may get their first measurable snow in November, while others don’t until late November or December. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 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

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

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 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