1
as in main
coming before all others in importance
the central theme of the book
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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
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.
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Recent Examples of central
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
In perhaps the film’s most striking move, this central drama won’t just leave you in need of soothing, but will provide the necessary comfort too — not unlike the way Amanda slowly comes to view Martin as a vital piece of the puzzle that is, or once was, her mother.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Forecasts show Arctic temperatures moving in from north-central Canada, with overnight wind chills Thursday through Saturday potentially reaching Extreme Cold Warning levels — 30 below zero or colder across much of Wisconsin.
—Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for central
Adjective
In his stead, the Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Amador county Republican central committees all endorsed challenger Jim Shoemaker to represent the state’s ninth district in 2026.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
In perhaps the film’s most striking move, this central drama won’t just leave you in need of soothing, but will provide the necessary comfort too — not unlike the way Amanda slowly comes to view Martin as a vital piece of the puzzle that is, or once was, her mother.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
Forecasters warned Monday that freezing temperatures are possible overnight into Tuesday across much of north-central Florida and southeast Georgia.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Forecasts show Arctic temperatures moving in from north-central Canada, with overnight wind chills Thursday through Saturday potentially reaching Extreme Cold Warning levels — 30 below zero or colder across much of Wisconsin.
—Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for central
Recent Examples of Synonyms for central
Adjective
-
Udmurtia’s main passenger airport, in the city of Izhevsk, and airports in nearby regions suspended operations early Saturday, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In that way, the end of his main career will allow his side-gig to become his new, full-time job.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This means there is no middle man on pricing and no issues with delivery.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The lead changed back and forth as Pittsburgh scored the game’s first four runs, only to fall behind as the Yankees rallied in the middle innings and went ahead 7-4 in the top of the eighth.—
Hillel Italie,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One minute of incidental vigorous activity prevents premature deaths, heart attacks or strokes as well as about three minutes of moderate activity or 35 to 49 minutes of light activity.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Most of the clients are living with mild to moderate dementia, and Mirokai had a way of bringing the space to life.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Knicks were only without McBride, and Detroit was missing two key rotation pieces in centers Isaiah Stewart and Duren due to suspension.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In the footage and images released by the FBI, the suspect appears to have a gun holstered near the center of his waist – an unusual position – and is seen wearing a backpack with reflective straps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Turnout on the second day of early voting in Tarrant County outshined the already impressive number of ballots cast on Day One of the primary races.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
-
A lot has changed in New Albany in the 174 years since the church opened and its clock tower served as the town’s primary time source.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Always falling on February 2nd—the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox—people all over the world wait with bated breath to find out if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow.—
Marilyn La Jeunesse,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The Indiana legislative session has almost reached the halfway point with major bills advancing at quick pace this week and shifting from one chamber to the other for consideration.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There are five treatment rooms in total, and a traditional hammam is essential for the full Moroccan experience.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The album's eclectic throwback sound pays tribute to the singer's Boricua roots, incorporating traditional genres such as Plena, salsa and jibaro into his signature Latin urbano style.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That decision came a month before jurors were set to be selected for the high-profile capital murder trial.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Noel Hacegaba, who last month took the helm of the Port of Long Beach, has greenlit the largest capital-spending plan of any port in North America.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Central.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/central. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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