1
as in heart
the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions
in my very core I knew that an injustice was being committed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
the capitol building is the core of the political life of the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in essence
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
at last, we come to the core of the issue that has been dividing us
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in body
the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts
a starfish can even survive the division of its core into two parts; both halves then regenerate
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 core
The concept of a college basketball team in today’s transfer portal era having a core group of seniors who’ve been there since the start seems unimaginable, but Boise State has managed it.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
The tariffs case must therefore be understood as a warm-up act in the fight to preserve the core of American democracy, rather than the main event.
—David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Peterson added stabilizing the debt should be a core issue for any leader who wants to improve affordability and economic growth, noting voters are demanding solutions this campaign season.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Sure, the word might scream Gen Z-core, but the season’s hottest takes can also feel elevated–think soft slouchy fabrics instead of baggy denim.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for core
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026
The tariffs case must therefore be understood as a warm-up act in the fight to preserve the core of American democracy, rather than the main event.
—David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Peterson added stabilizing the debt should be a core issue for any leader who wants to improve affordability and economic growth, noting voters are demanding solutions this campaign season.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Sure, the word might scream Gen Z-core, but the season’s hottest takes can also feel elevated–think soft slouchy fabrics instead of baggy denim.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for core
Recent Examples of Synonyms for core
Noun
-
Our ambition here is to continue to celebrate the creativity at Burberry’s heart.—
Luke Leitch,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Mojdeh Khaghan, a Jewish-Iranian American who fled Iran with her family in 1979, said her heart bleeds for the Iranian people.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Based on similar moral panics among Democratic politicos proposing bans on new data center development from Oregon to Georgia, the Left seems ready to unite to oppose AI because of its extraordinary potential for economic productivity.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Ryan said Thursday that the man had been wearing orange booties issued by the county holding center, rather than proper shoes suitable for winter weather.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Distilling this approach to its essence his Suba Trio featuring Venezuelan percussionist Gustavo Ovalles and Senegalese kora master Seckou Keita closes the residency March 8.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
This fragrance is the essence of tranquility, designed to wrap your space in a cozy, comforting glow and invite a sense of peace into your daily rituals.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Wondras’ backyard was excavated after Stacey Wondra told detectives where to find the boy’s body, the affidavit said.—
Alex Brizee
March 3,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Harsh, Overhead Lighting Stressing your eyes with bright, artificial lighting overhead can make focusing a challenge and even throw your body’s natural circadian rhythm out of whack, says Rousell.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Even the tribal nations with missions in in their midst, primarily the O'odham people, weren't really under Spanish control all that much.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The crash happened in the midst of the afternoon rush hour.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But what absorbs him most is the intense kinship that the San feel with the elephants, to the point where, at a bonfire dance, a kind of cross-species migration of souls seems to take place.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2026
-
That contrast, natural and refined, is what gives it soul.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The just-for-Prime members hub is a treasure trove of exclusive markdowns that other shoppers can’t access.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Mulch has many benefits in the garden, like retaining soil moisture, insulating roots, and deterring weeds.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Underneath the broad comedy, the sagging and the seeping, Meat Suit is about that sense of loss — or rather, of constant flux, root-level change that, in truth, is always going on in our physical and ephemeral selves, but that the upending jolt of parenthood brings right to the surface.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Core.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/core. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
