Thesaurus results for OMPHALOS

omphalos

noun

ˈäm(p)-fə-ˌläs

Definition of omphalos

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 omphalos While the rest of the world was in its accustomed turmoil, the Press, for which Ireland was the omphalos of the universe, took scant notice. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 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 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

Masterson, O’Hara, Rogers and Schmidt have all raised concerns about or opposed data-center incentives.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Just over a year after getting a 30-day license suspension, a Sunny Isles Beach plastic surgery center got a permanent license revocation from the Florida Department of Health this month.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Definition of center

Noun

Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
In today’s cultural economy, where archival fashion pieces, horology, and unique collections blur with investment strategy, the ability to maintain image and ownership while accessing capital quietly is increasingly prized for some.

— Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of capital

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

San Diego International Comic-Con, also known as Comic-Con, is known as the central hub for all things Fandom.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
That rich history, cultivated over centuries of acting as a port and hub of cultural exchange, is visible throughout the city, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

Definition of hub

Noun

Those spinning atomic nuclei constantly generate faint magnetic fluctuations.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
This applies to maintaining high standards in training, which are so taxing that new signings can struggle initially and is perhaps why, until this summer, Villa have maintained such a similar nucleus to their squad.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of nucleus

Noun

Screwworm flies often lay eggs in open wounds or warm, sensitive areas, such as in the nose, ears, genitalia or the navel of newborn animals.

— Sarah Tomlinson, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Her plans are derailed when a mysterious fluid begins flowing from her navel and transforms into a perfect but uncontrollable duplicate of herself.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 July 2026

Definition of navel

Noun

Even one of America’s most selective schools – Brown University, locus of the Graduate by Hilton Providence – announced $30M in budget cuts and saw its financial outlook downgraded to negative by Moody’s.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
When the problem is recast as overmedicalization and the solution as lifestyle, the locus of responsibility migrates.

— Sunny Patel, STAT, 17 July 2026

Definition of locus

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“Omphalos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/omphalos. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of omphalos

noun

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