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
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Recent Examples of nucleus
One natural guess is that galaxies above the critical mass simply lose more of their normal matter to outflows from supernovas and active galactic nuclei.
—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
9 June 2026
Because the Cowboys inherited the nucleus of what was a top-25 team last year.
—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Once that nucleus is stable, the processes are set and the culture is unshakable; the transition to a more remote or hybrid model should become much more viable.
—
Vikram Joshi,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
This undated microscope image from USC via the NIH shows pancreatic cancer cells, nuclei in blue, growing as a sphere encased in membranes, red.
—
CBS News,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nucleus
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
9 June 2026
Because the Cowboys inherited the nucleus of what was a top-25 team last year.
—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Once that nucleus is stable, the processes are set and the culture is unshakable; the transition to a more remote or hybrid model should become much more viable.
—
Vikram Joshi,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
This undated microscope image from USC via the NIH shows pancreatic cancer cells, nuclei in blue, growing as a sphere encased in membranes, red.
—
CBS News,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nucleus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nucleus
Noun
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The story begins with the historic building designed by Edward Durrell Stone in the 1960s as the World Trade Center, with a cruciform plan that nodded to the four corners of the compass and New Orleans’ place as a center of international commerce.
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All that was missing from the game was a rusty shiv in the center circle.
Noun
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Reflective, multilayer shields will block the most heat, and ones with a thicker foam core will work much better than thin ones.
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Sperm production works best at a temperature slightly cooler than core body temperature.
Noun
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Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
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Oil stockpiles at the critical oil hub of Cushing, Oklahoma, have plunged to the bare minimum of what is needed to operate.
Noun
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Others develop dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms because the autonomic nervous system becomes affected.
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Let heart guide tone, and your message lands.
Noun
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Images of the Venezuelan capital taken late yesterday show panic and destruction from the impact of twin earthquakes.
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Opponents argue agencies could avoid some of the service cuts officials have warned about by pausing capital improvement projects, including extensions.
Noun
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Some pastimes are distractions, some are distortions, and some few are true distillations—refining a city or a place or a community to its essence, deliciously sipped by all.
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Like the catchphrase to the Wide World of Sports broadcast that first enthralled Hunt with the World Cup, this was the essence of the thrill of victory contrasting, alas, with the agony of defeat.
Noun
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The fest is becoming a beacon for those who still pine for former jam meccas like Gathering of the Vibes, Wakarusa, Rothbury, and 10,000 Lakes.
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This was true throughout the neighborhood, which established itself this month as a secondary mecca for Knicks fans.
Noun
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Aniston, on the other hand, leaned into the shoe's casual roots, wearing hers with jeans and a tank top for a relaxed look that felt quintessentially summer.
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The dynamic Sun in your 9th House of Exploration quincunxes powerful Pluto in your 4th House of Home, so growth calls while roots demand attention.
Cite this Entry
“Nucleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nucleus. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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