nucleus

noun

ˈnü-klē-əs How to pronounce nucleus (audio)
Definition of nucleusnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 nucleus Still, for the most part, the Sharks now have their nucleus together, with the biggest part, Celebrini, signed on for five more seasons after this one. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 Sliman was an inspiring part of a nucleus that established the Union of Palestinian Artists, a union that organizationally became part of the Union of Arab Artists. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Remnant radio galaxies represent the final stage in the evolution of radio galaxies, at which point the jets from the galaxies' central regions, or active galactic nuclei (AGNs) powered by feeding supermassive black holes, have switched off. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Physicists now know that a collision between two oxygen nuclei generates a more rounded particle pattern, while crashing neon nuclei together creates a pattern more reminiscent of a bowling pin. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nucleus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nucleus
  1. center
  2. core
  3. hub
  4. heart
  5. capital
  6. essence
  7. mecca
  8. root
Noun
  • The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The center makes the protection calls, and often, zone runs cut vertically toward the center.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Yarbo later acknowledged the core technical findings and began rolling out fixes.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But the core four aren’t the only transplants from Woodsboro, as Ghostface soon rears its ugly head, directly targeting them and whomever else is caught up in their orbit.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • The collaboration aims to develop a robust local supply chain and position India as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for advanced rocket systems.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The airport is one of the busiest in the country, seeing some 26 million passengers board flights out of the hub in 2025, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • But your heart and lungs are only delivering the oxygen to the muscle.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Colorado went into Georgia Tech — playing in its first sellout home-opener in 20 years — and ripped their hearts out.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • The bank expects power networks to account for roughly one-third of group profits by 2029, up from 23% in 2025, which would help cut capital costs.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This influences how capital is allocated, which capabilities are funded, what risks are accepted, and whether growth translates into sustainable cash flow and returns.
    — Kumar Rupesh, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • To experience a thicker, chewier noodle, order the tsukemen (dipping-style ramen) with a broth, as dense as gravy, fusing the essences of pork, chicken and fish.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead, scroll on to find five cozy colors that the nail pros say perfectly capture the essence of fall.
    — Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • The barbecue mecca in Caldwell County is home to around 18,000 people and roughly a half-hour drive from south Austin, traffic depending.
    — Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • Kérastase’s Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo can help, balancing a deep cleanse with density-boosting (and hydrating) ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and gluco-peptides, to plump the cuticle and reduce breakage from root-to-tip.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Having a healthy lawn means managing soil conditions for the roots, mowing properly, and strengthening the density of the grass by overseeding.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of root

Browse Nearby Words

nuclei
nucleus
nude
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Cite this Entry

“Nucleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nucleus. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nucleus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nucleus

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