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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in reformer
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
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 centrist
Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Still, there could be a lane for a business-friendly centrist running California’s sclerotic political system.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Coming only two weeks after a presidential election in Romania in which voters chose a centrist over a hard-right admirer of President Trump, Poland’s vote is being closely watched in Europe and the United States as a test of right-wing populism’s staying power.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Many European centrists are rooting for Trzaskowski, seeing in him someone who would defend democratic values under pressure from authoritarian forces across the globe.
—Vanessa Gera, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Noun
The diverse guest list could be part of Newsom’s attempt to self-brand as a centrist ahead of a possible 2028 run, hearing out conservative critics while trying to assume his party’s mantle.
—Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Still, there could be a lane for a business-friendly centrist running California’s sclerotic political system.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
Coming only two weeks after a presidential election in Romania in which voters chose a centrist over a hard-right admirer of President Trump, Poland’s vote is being closely watched in Europe and the United States as a test of right-wing populism’s staying power.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Many European centrists are rooting for Trzaskowski, seeing in him someone who would defend democratic values under pressure from authoritarian forces across the globe.
—Vanessa Gera, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for centrist
Adjective
-
This indicates a moderate Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 28.6% (compared to 19.4% for the S&P 500).—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
In 2024 the company logged 30 million euros in sales, in line with the previous year, but Corti expects a moderate drop this year.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
The ministry emphasized the urgent need for peace and stability in the Middle East, and reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains central to resolving broader regional tensions.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
In central North Carolina, forecasters expected heat index values up to 115 degrees.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/centrist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share