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 To fix these issues scientists aim to go one layer deeper into the atom, from the electrons on the outside to the nucleus nestled within, and track how energy flips a single neutron between quantum states. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 Sierra Canyon counters with an All-American nucleus while Harvard-Westlake, Marymount, Santa Margarita, Mira Costa, Redondo and Palisades are set to shine. — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Zillions of electrons from atoms that make up Earth’s atmosphere get temporarily bounced away from the nucleus of zillions and zillions of atoms. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 Increasing security cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Türkiye could become the nucleus of a wider group, or just a framework for ad hoc coordination. — Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 4 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
  • Rosignoli also recommended the Museo Civico Naturalistico-Archeologico in Vicenza, which has finds from Lake Fimon and Teatro Berga, an actual Roman theater that once stood in the city center.
    — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Fever played without center Aliyah Boston, who was sidelined by a right leg injury.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Earlier this year, a Supreme Court decision weakened a core provision of the Voting Rights Act, threatening Black political representation across the South.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Along with trying to shave the Republican advantage in the district's dozen-plus rural counties, Bohannan is also trying to gain a foothold in its more urban and suburban hubs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Santa Fe Plaza, the center of the original Spanish walled city, remains the cultural hub of downtown.
    — Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • While many viewers praise the former child star as the beating heart of the series, her newfound success comes with heightened tabloid scrutiny, thecoverage wading into everything from her looks to her love life.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Iran’s economy was in a poor state before the war too, with dire economic conditions a key driving factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations which kicked off in the Iranian capital Tehran in 2025.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As the world has become less secure, Lagarde said on Wednesday, capital flows into Europe have been put at risk.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • Plan ample time before or after a treatment to make good use of the luxurious hot springs here, since this town’s world-famous mineral water is really the essence of your visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 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
  • In this case, the O is designed with roots that represent the land, a lamb for spring and new birth, and an almond blossom petal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Born and raised in Nogales, Mexico, the fourth of twelve children, Trujillo had deep community roots.
    — Allie Torgan, CNN Money, 21 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 24 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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