epicenter

noun

ˈe-pi-ˌsen-tər How to pronounce epicenter (audio)
Definition of epicenternext
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest by continually reinventing itself, Las Vegas has managed to remain a national epicenter for entertainment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 epicenter The coordinates show epicenter was near the border of San Leandro and Oakland. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 The epicenter was approximately 2 miles north-northeast of San Leandro, at a depth of 3 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 But in the epicenter of Monday’s earthquake, Chocó, an indigenous leader told CNN that help has yet to reach the area, Colombia’s poorest region. — Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 The San Fernando Valley is the epicenter of California’s artificial-stone-cutting industry, where dozens of shops are clustered. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epicenter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epicenter
  1. center
  2. mecca
  3. hub
  4. capital
Noun
  • Balancing functionality with the brand’s house codes, the bag features two spacious compartments and a zippered one in the center.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sunday marked the grand opening of the center's Community Baby Closet, which offers resources such as diapers, wipes, newborn clothing, baby gear and postpartum supplies.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • The popular theatre was a cultural mecca that drew thousands to its operas, ballets and other public events, and hosted legendary greats including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • The targets weren't oil refineries, maritime hubs or arms plants hit by other Ukrainian strikes, but warehouses that bring the convenience of online shopping across the breadth of Russia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time in almost a month, a large tanker last week began loading crude at the western terminal of Iran’s main export hub Kharg Island, Windward said.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • Iran’s economy was in a poor state before the war too, with dire economic conditions a key driving factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations which kicked off in the Iranian capital Tehran in 2025.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As the world has become less secure, Lagarde said on Wednesday, capital flows into Europe have been put at risk.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital

Browse Nearby Words

epicene
epicenter
epicenters
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Cite this Entry

“Epicenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epicenter. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epicenter

Nglish: Translation of epicenter for Spanish Speakers

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