centripetal force

noun

: the force that is necessary to keep an object moving in a curved path and that is directed inward toward the center of rotation
a string on the end of which a stone is whirled about exerts centripetal force on the stone
compare centrifugal force

Examples of centripetal force in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The pulls of our star and planet equal the centripetal force needed for a smaller object to stay in place. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 Since the band’s inception in 1990, the OG riot grrrls of Bikini Kill made social justice the centripetal force of their furor — long before Daisy Chain Fields, and even its late ‘90s predecessor Lilith Fair. — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 This circular motion around the central axis requires centripetal force, provided by the floor of the ship, which pushes Grace toward the center. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026 Three of the four starting forwards that night had been, at one stage or another over the past 14 months, edging towards an exit only for Villa’s apparent centripetal force to drag them back in. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centripetal force

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centripetal force was in 1686

Rhymes for centripetal force

See All Rhymes for centripetal force

Browse Nearby Words

centripetal
centripetal force
centripetalism
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Cite this Entry

“Centripetal force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centripetal%20force. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

centripetal force

noun
: the force that tends to cause a thing or parts of a thing to go inward toward a center of rotation

More from Merriam-Webster on centripetal force

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about centripetal force

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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