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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of centrist
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2026
While the anti-migration League has backed opening discussion, Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and centrist allies have been more cautious about endorsing a proposal linked to extremist circles, amid concerns over legal risks and internal divisions.
—
ABC News,
13 June 2026
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Mahan, a 43-year-old centrist Democrat, had been mayor of California’s third-largest city for just 3 1/2 years after entering politics as a city councilmember in 2020.
—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Adjective
The competing dynamics in Michigan and Maine reflect a broader battle over the direction of the Democratic Party, with establishment leaders viewing more centrist candidates as electable while progressive activists push for more ideologically ambitious candidates.
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Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2026
While the anti-migration League has backed opening discussion, Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and centrist allies have been more cautious about endorsing a proposal linked to extremist circles, amid concerns over legal risks and internal divisions.
—
ABC News,
13 June 2026
Noun
Johnson has struggled to get the Republican Party aligned as lawmakers on the right have said the measure doesn't go far enough and some centrists with tough elections ahead in November express concerns about immigration enforcement practices.
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Justin Papp,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Mahan, a 43-year-old centrist Democrat, had been mayor of California’s third-largest city for just 3 1/2 years after entering politics as a city councilmember in 2020.
—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for centrist
Adjective
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The most compelling evidence is that meta-analytic effect sizes for athletic and executive coaching fall in the same moderate range.
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How Heat Actually Works In The Body During a sauna session, heart rate climbs to 100 to 150 beats per minute and the cardiovascular system undergoes thermoregulatory conditioning that resembles moderate aerobic exercise without the mechanical load.
Adjective
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That idea is a central part of the DCCC’s campaign to flip the district in the upcoming general election.
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Find it at the local markets, cenadurías, comedores, and the sit-down restaurants that ring Colima city’s central plaza, such as Ramos’ new ¡Aquí Es Colima!
Cite this Entry
“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/centrist. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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