CENTER STAGE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

center stage

noun

Definition of center stage

as in top billing

the center of public attention a public health problem that has moved to center stage in recent years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 center stage Anne Hathaway’s take on casual-cool dressing puts her sneakers at the center stage of her outfit. — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 29 July 2026 Jalen Brunson was on center stage in New York again Wednesday, this time for a trio of ovations at the 2026 ESPY Awards. — Reuters, NBC news, 16 July 2026 When the All-Stars took the field Tuesday in Philadelphia, many of the biggest names in the sport were center stage. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 16 July 2026 Once plated, the steak remains at center stage, adorned with a drizzle of the bright, herbaceous chermoula, which enhances the meat without overpowering its rich flavor. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage

Noun

Despite his top billing and his undeniable curmudgeon charisma, even Dern ends up underserved by a role that is eventually reduced to so much benign backdrop for a much blander hero’s journey.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Nonwhite voters claim top billing As the first-in-the-South primary, South Carolina was more decisive than Iowa and New Hampshire for nominees Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

— Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of top billing

Noun

Lately, the movie has been overshadowed by its jukebox musical counterpart, but the original film absolutely deserves its moment in the nightclub spotlight.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Atlanta’s time in the international spotlight, and Allen’s works were recently on display at the Hammonds House Museum.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of spotlight

Noun

The Moon enters Aries and your 10th House of Career, Reputation, and Responsibility, putting attention on your public role, work, leadership, or visible commitments.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Finally, markets this week paid close attention to news of the passing of former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

centers (on)

center stage

center stages

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of center stage

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes