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 The others affectionately call her Head Hen and describe her as the nucleus of the group. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 July 2026 The hydrogenobody, like the nucleus and mitochondria, fits this description. — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 27 July 2026 In the meantime, Perry has managed to assemble a young nucleus, giving Sacramento a number of building blocks for the future. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026 Ichiro won’t be playing in Irvine — the Pioneer League limits players to no more than two years of professional experience — but Wakamatsu plans to tap into his network to ensure the team has an Asian manager or coach and a nucleus of Asian players. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 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
  • Iran has issued a list of concessions the US must make in order for the vital Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, once again bringing the waterway center-stage in Tehran’s dealings with Washington.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • His early memories center on 2005’s Axis of Evil tour, during which Ahmed Ahmed, Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader, and Dean Obeidallah set out to contend with an American public still living under the cloud of the World Trade Center attack.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Instead, having a consistent, longer-term core should help Carrick further develop this United side’s tactical identity, improve the players already at his disposal, and allow cohesion and team spirit to grow naturally.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Chapman, 33, should know Monday the severity of a hernia and a core muscle tear in his right abdomen.
    — Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • The city is an important oil refining hub, home to two refineries and a petrochemical plant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In Salisbury, which has become a hub for Haitians who work in nearby factories and farms, ICE recently started detaining people in parking lots and other areas immigrants frequent, according to Fouché of Safe Harbor Circles.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • Things get increasingly bleak, as the family dog’s heart medicine runs out and Jason has to put him out of his misery, and then — in doomsday prepper mode — carves up the body and puts it in the freezer just in case food gets dire.
    — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • He was rushed to Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where doctors restarted his heart before transferring him to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London for specialist care.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Those seriously hurt were transported 43 miles away to the capital of North Shewa Administrative Zone, Debre Birhan.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The sticky wicket, which has been the stickiest for AI-tech megacaps, is investor angst around capital expenditures and a sluggish pace of return that could send the stock on a nosedive.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • In its goal of adapting local dishes to the essence of its menu, the team has gone all the way.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There's almost a ballad essence to it, even though it's got that stomping kick to it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • 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
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • Beyond these new flavors, Karol G still reminds listeners of her strong Colombian roots and Latin music expertise.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Matt Wood is 5’7, five inches shorter than Jackman, but that would be good enough to satisfy most fans hoping Logan goes back to his comic roots.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nucleus

Nglish: Translation of nucleus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nucleus

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