as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
during the Vietnam War the university's campus effectively became the area's omphalos for antiwar activity
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Recent Examples of omphalos
In front of me was a black ovoid stone, known as the omphalos, set on the spot in Greek mythology where two eagles loosed by Zeus crossed paths at the earth’s nexus.
—
Liz Alderman, New York Times, 9 July 2019
While the temples have crumbled, seeing the omphalos gave me goose bumps, and left me awe-struck over Delphi’s sublime place in history.
—Liz Alderman, New York Times, 9 July 2019
Zeus marked the spot with a stone called the omphalos (navel), to signify the location’s centrality.
—National Geographic, 12 Mar. 2019
Liz Alderman, New York Times, 9 July 2019
While the temples have crumbled, seeing the omphalos gave me goose bumps, and left me awe-struck over Delphi’s sublime place in history.
—Liz Alderman, New York Times, 9 July 2019
Zeus marked the spot with a stone called the omphalos (navel), to signify the location’s centrality.
—National Geographic, 12 Mar. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for omphalos
Noun
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Community amenities include a parking garage, a resort-style pool, pet park, fitness center with a yoga and pilates studio, resident clubhouse and co-working space.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
19 July 2025
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Although the summit is accessible by car and train, trails just beyond the visitor center can turn treacherous for anyone unfamiliar with mountain hiking.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
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Located in the ritzy Ginza district of the Japanese capital, the boutique stands out with a massive, shining facade in the brand’s signature blue color.—
Kelly Wetherille,
Footwear News,
11 July 2025
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That volume of capital increases their margin for error in the inexact science that is the NBA draft.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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As Almeyda makes her journey towards this elusive mecca, both the idea of Palmares and Almeyda’s journey toward it feel like hallucinatory visions: Vibrantly conjured, indeed mythic in intention and impact.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
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By day, it’s known for its colorful murals and buzzing cafés, but by night, the district turns into a mecca for creative cocktails, late-night galleries and performances by world-class DJs.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Future outlook: The development aims to create a mixed-use, mixed-income community by putting housing near employment hubs and public transportation.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
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That lets devices like bulbs, remotes and motion sensors pair with each other directly, with no hub or app needed.—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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McLaurin would instantly become Allen's top target and perfectly augment the versatile Khalil Shakir and developing Keon Coleman to form the nucleus of a passing attack that has potential rate among the best in the league.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
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In mid-March, while still in Gonzales with what would become the nucleus of the San Jacinto army, Sam Houston concluded that a retreat into deep East Texas provided his best chance of success.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Larijani said a drone might hit Trump in the navel, in what appeared to be a light-hearted remark during a discussion about the merits of Iranian military technology compared with the U.S.—
Brendan Cole
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
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During the June 19 episode, the 90210 star asked Eden about wearing the iconic Jeannie costume, which featured pink and red pants, a matching bralette, headpiece and short jacket, leaving her navel exposed (but crucially not her belly button).—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
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That could put a damper on Sun Valley, which is a locus of deal-making.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
9 July 2025
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Latt is ethnically Karen, and grew up in the Kayin State in Myanmar, which has been a locus of violence between the country’s military government and armed ethnic organizations pushing for greater autonomy.—
Reia Li,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Omphalos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/omphalos. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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