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

Paola Lopez, who has harvested raisins in the central San Joaquin Valley, supports stronger regulations. — Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Some showers may stretch into central Missouri and portions of the Kansas City metro. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

On Wednesday, Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari told CNBC that the central should begin raising rates, a move that could start as early as September with the central bank's next meeting. — Sean Conlon,hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for central

Recent Examples of Synonyms for central

Adjective

Construction of the project’s main underground access portal began in February 2026.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
This, Rostov’s main thoroughfare, wasn’t illuminated by the familiar bright glare of its many street lamps, or by light from its windows, now blacked out, but emerged from the darkness all the more gently in a milky cloak of moonlight.

— Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

The reform plans include a potentially painful overhaul of the creaking pension system, a reduction of Germany’s stifling bureaucracy and cuts to income tax for low- and middle-income families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
The government’s reforms include cuts to income tax for low- and middle-income families, an overhaul of the pension system and a reduction of Germany’s bureaucracy.

— Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of middle

Adjective

The heating oil situation is particularly troublesome here for low-to-moderate residents who rely on the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program to keep warm.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
There is a coastal flood advisory for Volusia County, with minor to moderate flooding possible in low-lying lots, parks, docks and roadways near the shoreline and along the Intracoastal.

— Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of moderate

Noun

These districts can be established within a city, county or cooperative area to create economic development projects like industrial sites, research facilities, job-training centers and distribution hubs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
The center will test uncrewed platforms under realistic operational conditions and threats, including degraded or denied communication environments.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of center

Adjective

Orbit is Flight 14’s primary focus, and only by achieving that milestone can SpaceX move on to clear the rocket’s remaining hurdles.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026
The primary bedroom overlooks the High Line, with an en-suite bathroom that has a separate soaking tub and glass shower stall.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 26 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 water level of a major reservoir supplying the bustling capital city of Jakarta -- the world's biggest metropolis -- is dropping inch by inch.

— EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Indeed, stocks have rocketed to record highs in recent years thanks to all the capital tied to the emergence of artificial intelligence, with investors looking to gain exposure to the trend.

— Fred Imbert, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026