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

This turned out to be a formidable weapon for Democrats, many of whom made energy costs central to their campaigns. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026 Van Dayne was driving a 2023 full-size IC Bus for Clinton Central School District in Clinton, a central New York town that is roughly 50 miles southeast of Syracuse, according to the sheriff’s office. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026

Noun

The fastest-growing category now is NAD+ — a coenzyme central to mitochondrial energy production and DNA repair — sold as boosting energy, combating aging and enhancing recovery. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Blazars, like the one central to this study, designated PKS 2233-148, have long been proposed to be the cosmic particle accelerators that blast out neutrinos. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for central

Recent Examples of Synonyms for central

Adjective

In 2019, a train lost control while approaching Cairo’s main station in Ramses Square, igniting a fire that killed 25 people.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Tens of thousands of people packed Florida’s main square for the Mass under brilliant blue skies, some walking for several kilometers (miles) to reach the site.

— Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Until now, Gilead has been the sole supplier of lenacapavir, and demand has outstripped supply in low- and middle-income countries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Deductible and reimbursement choices also narrow as enrollment age rises, which makes Healthy Paws a much better deal for puppies and kittens than for middle-aged pets.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of middle

Adjective

Republicans, however, could take advantage of Newsom’s action and cast him as a soft-on-crime liberal who is out of touch with most Americans, which risks turning away moderate voters.

— Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
By contrast, Hernandez de Cos favors a more moderate policy style.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of moderate

Noun

The Clippers were without center Isaiah Jackson (groin), as well as former Pelicans star Brandon Ingram (heel), who is close to his debut for his new team.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
At least 55 Ukrainians were killed Monday when Russia bombed a school building used as a shelter and aid center in Zaporizhzhia, one of the deadliest incidents of a conflict in its fifth year.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of center

Adjective

Party organizations were strong, our legislative allies were aligned, and labor held significant influence within the primary process.

— Denis Hughes, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Much of his campaign was run against the Democratic establishment, with his primary opponent backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

— Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 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

Adjective

In addition to traditional cancellation and interruption protection, the plan includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation benefits and reimbursement for certain travel inconveniences.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Keurig and Lavazza’s new pods ditch the traditional plastic cups for compostable coffee tablets.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of traditional

Noun

Among the issues veterans face is a lack of access to capital.

— Susan Sarkauskas, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
The highest number of outstanding votes Tuesday were in Hinds County, a blue stronghold around the state capital of Jackson, with another chunk remaining in nearby Holmes County, which is even bluer.

— Gregory S. Schneider The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026