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 All that would be visible would be the nucleus, looking very much like all the other little red dots. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 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 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 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
  • Balancing functionality with the brand’s house codes, the bag features two spacious compartments and a zippered one in the center.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sunday marked the grand opening of the center's Community Baby Closet, which offers resources such as diapers, wipes, newborn clothing, baby gear and postpartum supplies.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Sangare was one of the core players of the Lens side who pushed Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain hard for the French title last season, eventually coming up six points short.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The cryptocurrency exchange told Fortune that bitcoin’s core infrastructure is largely safe, adding that the real vulnerability is at the wallet level.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • The targets weren't oil refineries, maritime hubs or arms plants hit by other Ukrainian strikes, but warehouses that bring the convenience of online shopping across the breadth of Russia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time in almost a month, a large tanker last week began loading crude at the western terminal of Iran’s main export hub Kharg Island, Windward said.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • A number of cardiovascular conditions—including atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder—are linked to cardiac neurons.
    — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Maceta, moved to pity at times, would put an ear to his friend’s chest and hear how Ruiz’s heart leaped about inside his body, as though trying to fly apart.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • The power company said the attack resulted in outages across the southern parts of the city, which is located about 47 kilometers (about 30 miles) west of the capital Tripoli.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The 34-year-old returned to a hero’s welcome in his nation’s capital of Mogadishu following his denial of entry to the US.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • That is the idea that encapsulates the essence of this country.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This hamlet is Liguria reduced to its essence, with a coastline flanked by the requisite colored stone fishermen’s houses, and tranquil bays—Prelo, Trelo, and Pomaro--rimmed by sand and pebble beaches.
    — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 10 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
  • That fire makes for a potent combination with her swimming roots.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The materials used can vary widely, including roots, herbs, crystals, stones, coins, cloth, ceramic sherds, pins, powders, and the body parts of animals.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 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 17 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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