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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 Today, scientists understand cosmic rays as fast-moving nuclei – the heavy centers of atoms – from mostly hydrogen. — Jesse Liu, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026 On rare occasions, however, one such particle could collide with an atomic nucleus and produce a tiny recoil — precisely the kind of event the LZ experiment is designed to detect. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026 Jenny Lê, the flagship’s head of operations, has become the nucleus of the store, embodying the essence of discipline, intention and collaboration that has been there from the very beginning. — Michael Anthony Hall, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 To create space for so much additional DNA, the nucleus enlarges. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 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
  • These districts can be established within a city, county or cooperative area to create economic development projects like industrial sites, research facilities, job-training centers and distribution hubs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The center will test uncrewed platforms under realistic operational conditions and threats, including degraded or denied communication environments.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • The experiments were not designed to demonstrate ignition or fusion gain, but to isolate and test this core compression principle.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Shown on a 35mm print at Lincoln Center, this North American premiere was warmly received, with the core cast all on hand.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • These districts can be established within a city, county or cooperative area to create economic development projects like industrial sites, research facilities, job-training centers and distribution hubs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Nearly a quarter of the world’s internet traffic reportedly passes through northern Virginia; London is largely served by two hubs in the Docklands and Slough.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • The masked suspect who fatally shot a beloved barber while trying to steal his handmade Miami Cuban bracelet outside a Queens strip club ran off empty-handed, but left those who knew the victim with an unfathomable hole in their hearts.
    — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The most effective nonprofits lead with both heart and purpose while staying focused on delivering meaningful results.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • His American Dream Act would provide a five-year capital-gains tax exemption for homeowners 65 and older who sell their property to a first-time buyer.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Across industries, women continue to take on roles with greater control over capital, strategy and technology at some of the world’s most consequential businesses.
    — CNBC.com staff, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • And as Markus said before, this character is an essence of hundreds of female characters from that time who chose this exact path, and their choices were very different from each other.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Though there are multiple interpretations of sharia, its essence is to serve as a code for how Muslims should live and worship — covering such matters as prayer, pilgrimages, fasting, charitable donations and personal virtue.
    — David Crary, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Named for the massive cliffs that stretch across 32 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs is also a mecca for fossil hunters.
    — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But for lovers of all things sweet and creamy, Cheesecake Funk is today a veritable mecca for those in the know.
    — David Farley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • Where loyalty’s root lies in law, wafadari’s lies in promise.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • After lying dormant for over twenty years, the property has been completely renovated to make the space feel tasteful, modern, and comfortable while continuing to pay tribute to its deep archival roots.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nucleus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nucleus

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