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 As to whether sustainability becomes a core principle rather than an afterthought, that remains to be seen. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Speaking your mind candidly is essential right now—feeling seen and respected is core to your sense of self-worth. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Alaska’s core constituency is composed of Natives, fishermen, rural legislators, and unions, with some chamber-of-commerce types mixed in. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 Now, Rupert Murdoch views Fox as a core part of his legacy, as last year’s family trust battle underscores, with his son Lachlan ultimately securing control of the empire after battling (and ultimately settling with) his siblings. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 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
  • The sharpest character study lies in the potential recipient of Simon’s heart, a woman who has all but given up on having a future but then finds herself at the top of a transplant list, suddenly lucky enough to get a new life.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Ashley Padilla Padilla, who captured hearts as a star cast member of SNL this past year, made the room laugh with a toast full of jokes and references to her most notable sketches.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Ben’s view Hoffman, who sometimes works from a small swivel chair in her children’s room, has followed a path from social video into the center of the swirling news cycles of true crime and celebrity.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • After police cordoned off an area in the city center, the situation calmed down by early Sunday morning.
    — Angela Charlton, Los Angeles Times, 1 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
  • Investigators found Amy in a separate area with a ligature around her neck and burns covering up to 30% of her body, according to court documents.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Several different types of peptides are naturally found in the body, like insulin and endorphins.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 24 Oct. 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
  • Against the backdrop of seemingly endless violence, artists banded together and dabbled in soul, disco, and jazz as a salve to their suffering.
    — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • After Esther’s soul-searching decision to separate, the third season of the show, now streaming, tracks the fallout of their life apart.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of soul
Noun
  • Tens of thousands of people across more than 30 cities took to the streets, including in the capital Berlin and financial hub Frankfurt, in protests organized by the campaign group Gen Z regelt (Gen Z takes charge).
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026
  • To tout their readiness for the midterms, Fulton County officials invited media to the same sprawling elections hub where FBI agents seized more than 650 boxes of ballots and other 2020 election records nine months ago.
    — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 1 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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