core

noun

ˈkȯr How to pronounce core (audio)
Definition of corenext
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
5
as in midst
an area or point that is an equal distance from all points along an edge or outer surface the mountain rises from ground that is almost precisely at the island's core

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 first series premiered in 1971, and the Showa-era shows that ran until 1988 built its core fanbase. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026 Ask your team to start thinking about which core decisions about work that drive the proliferation of your organizational values should always rest with a person and why. — Christine Grimm, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 The good fight Morgenthau’s hard-nosed reputation has long obscured the moral core of his realism. — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026 This innovation also comes as Ferrari’s core business continues to grow. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for core
Recent Examples of Synonyms for core
  1. heart
  2. center
  3. essence
  4. body
  5. midst
  6. soul
  7. hub
  8. root
Noun
  • During a recent interview with Fox News Digital, James, 32, opened up about how the project became a deeply personal way to reconnect with Bill, who passed away in February 2017 following heart surgery.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sola Media managing director Solveig Langeland said mixing humor and heart has always sat at the center of the studio’s storytelling, backed by its skill at bringing characters to life through strong voice casts.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • The Clippers were without center Isaiah Jackson (groin), as well as former Pelicans star Brandon Ingram (heel), who is close to his debut for his new team.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • At least 55 Ukrainians were killed Monday when Russia bombed a school building used as a shelter and aid center in Zaporizhzhia, one of the deadliest incidents of a conflict in its fifth year.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
  • First, the essence of each brand tends to manifest in aesthetics and interaction models.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • The compact pouch is designed to hold small essentials against your body, and its soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabric is a thoughtful detail for warmer destinations where extra layers aren’t practical.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Hours after the attack, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said authorities found the bodies of three of the suspect's close family members -- two women and a man -- inside of his home in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, a city about 100 miles northeast of Krakow.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of body
Noun
  • In the midst of a rich meal, something fresh and acidic keeps your taste buds awake.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Andrew Novak dominates south of the border Andrew Novak was in the midst of a lackluster 2026 season before arriving in Mexico.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of midst
Noun
  • The story is forgotten, and the glimpse into the writer’s soul is lost.
    — Gary Barron, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Rosses eventually undertook a major redesign in 2002, with a goal of amplifying the scale for their family, which included twins just under 2 years old, without diluting the home’s authentic soul.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of soul
Noun
  • Yet the group would help transform that club and Max’s Kansas City into hubs for punk bands and the avant-garde such as Blondie, the Ramones and Talking Heads.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Alaska could be transformed into a major data center hub following a new assessment of natural gas resources in the region which appear big enough to power huge advanced computing and AI sites.
    — Oliver Trapnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • Becoming the first Latino directly elected to California’s highest office is a distinction Becerra was reluctant to promote on the campaign trail, preferring instead to focus on his humble roots.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The root of Wilson’s resentment is that he was charmed by the pods version of Wilnie, who was temporarily free from real-life concerns and whose only job was to banter with him through a wall.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of root

Browse Nearby Words

cordwoods
core
core cities
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Cite this Entry

“Core.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/core. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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