centrist

noun

cen·​trist ˈsen-trist How to pronounce centrist (audio)
Synonyms of centristnext
1
or less commonly Centrist : a member of a center party
2
: a person who holds moderate views
centrism
ˈsen-ˌtri-zəm How to pronounce centrist (audio)
noun
centrist adjective

Synonyms of centrist

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Examples of centrist in a Sentence

The candidate hopes to appeal to centrists nationwide. the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely
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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.
House Democratic leadership is vowing repercussions for two centrists who blindsided Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) by joining with Republicans on Tuesday to force a vote on condemning socialism. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026 Thus far, Eisenkot, a classic centrist, has been blunt and sometimes caustic in making the case against the prime minister. — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026 There’s a debate among centrists who don’t like that this happened; how much did this weaken the Democratic Party? — David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Big progressive win Nixon, an outspoken progressive, ended up easily defeating Vindman, who was much more of an establishment centrist. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for centrist

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of centrist was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

centrism
centrist
centroacinar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrist. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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