1
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
a college campus that was a nucleus of opposition to the war
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2
as in core
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
the nucleus of the movement's methodology has always been passive resistance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nucleus
The object has an icy nucleus and is surrounded by a bright cloud of gas and dust known as a coma that defines an active comet.
—
Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The data—which specifically trace the abundance of H3+, an ion made of three hydrogen nuclei—constitute the best-yet three-dimensional map of the planet’s upper atmosphere.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
Numbering a dozen-plus, the Padres’ nucleus of players understands how to prepare and react correctly to the opponent and scoreboard.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The Wizards hope that an early lottery pick will join that nucleus this offseason, but the team owes a top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick to the New York Knicks.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nucleus
Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The data—which specifically trace the abundance of H3+, an ion made of three hydrogen nuclei—constitute the best-yet three-dimensional map of the planet’s upper atmosphere.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
Numbering a dozen-plus, the Padres’ nucleus of players understands how to prepare and react correctly to the opponent and scoreboard.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The Wizards hope that an early lottery pick will join that nucleus this offseason, but the team owes a top-eight protected 2026 first-round pick to the New York Knicks.
—Josh Robbins, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nucleus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nucleus
Noun
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The synagogue houses a preschool and family center, but officials said all 140 students and staff members were accounted for and safe, according to CNN and other media reports.—
Daniel Hunt
March 12,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Concerns center on Azizi’s ties to regional leaders and the scale of Nation Media’s operations, which employ hundreds of journalists across television, radio, and print in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.—
Vivianne Wandera,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The team found a major levoglucosan peak centered around 1128 CE, coinciding with a similar peak recorded from the Schwarzboden mire peat core, another important reservoir of atmospheric history sampled about 12 miles southeast of Weißseespitze.—
Nidhi Sharma,
Popular Science,
13 Mar. 2026
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That’s just core to my existence and my DNA.—
Claire Salinda,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Located on the third floor, this is the social hub of the hotel, with a bar, space for live performances, and a colorful dining room filled with sofas and armchairs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Her great, big burlesque performance is a striptease that, layer by layer, reveals her narcissism, her naïveté and her broken heart.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Degarmo says the pig has been feeling depressed since she’s been without his family for many months, noting that pigs could die of a broken heart.—
Julianna Lozada,
Daily News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Intense airstrikes hit early Friday around Iran's capital, Tehran, as well as outlying areas.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
More traditional and slower-paced than Japan’s capital, Tokyo, or its neighbor, Osaka, the city is truly breathtaking in a unique way; rich historic districts, centuries-old temples, and zen gardens stand in for sleek skyscrapers and neon lights.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For anyone hoping to catch this year’s superbloom, time is of the essence.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
8 Mar. 2026
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They were introduced in the 1960s, but something about their branding and essence feels straight out of the 1990s.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Each January, that stillness is interrupted by the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, transforming a quiet alpine town, Davos, into a mecca of power.—
Victoria Bousis,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
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That’s why the famed Trout Lily Trail in the West Palisades section of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta has become a spring mecca for many of us wildflower lovers.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Coleman made his name as the co-founder of London’s Caravan restaurants and coffee roasters, and Coulton’s roots are in management consultancy.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
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Bob Johnson’s SoCal roots include coaching Los Amigos from 1970-72.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nucleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nucleus. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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