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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of centrist
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
But even centrist Democrats are skeptical such a deal can be made and believe the most pragmatic option is to fund DHS on a stopgap bill, otherwise known as a continuing resolution.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
The opposition, despite the formation of a new centrist alliance and a rising far-right, was too splintered to be a real challenger.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Adjective
Menin, a moderate Upper East Side Democrat, is seen as likely to be a centrist check on Mayor Mamdani’s administration.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
But even centrist Democrats are skeptical such a deal can be made and believe the most pragmatic option is to fund DHS on a stopgap bill, otherwise known as a continuing resolution.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
The opposition, despite the formation of a new centrist alliance and a rising far right, was too splintered to pose a real challenge.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
The opposition, despite the formation of a new centrist alliance and a rising far-right, was too splintered to be a real challenger.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for centrist
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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The layoff notices, approved by a 4-3 vote, target central and regional office staff, who were described as providing direct and important services to schools.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Food and drink Food is central to the La Sultana experience, and seafood lovers will be glad to hear that oysters are the star dish.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/centrist. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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