Synonyms of centrist

centrist 1 of 2

adjective

as in moderate

avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas

several centrist candidates were elected, apparently in a reaction against the extremists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moderate
• central
• middle-of-the-road
• traditional
• orthodox
• neutral
• conventional
• rational
• reasonable
• sensible
• levelheaded
• nonrevolutionary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• radical
• conservative
• extremist
• revolutionary
• ultra
• liberal
• excessive
• reactionary
• progressive
• rightist
• leftist
• subversive
• revolutionist
• violent
• inflammatory
• provocative
• fanatic
• exciting
• rabid
• provoking
• incendiary
• dissenting
• agitating
• inciting
• fomenting
• instigating
• rabble-rousing

centrist

2 of 2

noun

ˈsen-trist 

as in middle-of-the-roader

a person who holds moderate views

the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely

Synonyms & Similar Words

• moderate
• middle-of-the-roader
• reformer
• progressive
• compromiser
• accommodationist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extremist
• revolutionary
• conservative
• rightist
• revolutionist
• liberal
• leftist
• reactionary
• radical
• ultraist
• right-winger
• left-winger

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of centrist

Adjective

Hamilton brought a friendly, centrist persona and a knack for fundraising to the race as the founder of the 25,000-member Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area, the nation’s largest United Methodist congregation. — John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Gray, a centrist Democrat, was elected to the seat in 2024 by just 187 votes. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Noun

Eisenkot, the current leader of this electorate, has declared his personal opposition to a Palestinian state, as have Israel’s other centrist and conservative opposition figures. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

Israel felt inescapable in the midterm primaries, especially for Democrats, where centrists and progressives clashed — memorably! — Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 22 Oct. 2026