center stage

noun

Definition of center stagenext
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

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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 The next complete lunar blackout won’t be until New Year’s Eve 2028, with Asia and Australia at center stage. — Marcia Dunn, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 In this world, argues Bapna, access to your files will become ever more important, with the idea of the infinite computer moving center stage. — David Prosser, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The stage plot places him between Twomey and Englert, forming a rhythm trio on one side of center stage. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 Anne Hathaway’s take on casual-cool dressing puts her sneakers at the center stage of her outfit. — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage
  1. top billing
  2. spotlight
  3. attention
  4. limelight
  5. catbird seat
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
  • Clancy, who was accused of murdering her three children in January 2023, has been in the national spotlight the last few weeks as her trial was live-streamed.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • After years of tabloid attention and personal struggles, Lohan left the United States in 2014 and eventually relocated full-time to Dubai, spending much of the next decade outside the Hollywood spotlight.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of spotlight
Noun
  • Matt Bevin has for months claimed Johnson is unable to afford him a fair trial and is using the case to gain attention from the media.
    — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That’s the part of the guarantee-game economy that deserves more attention now.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista, 29, can count themselves among Hollywood’s most limelight-shy couples.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Yet somehow, the 469 square miles of New York City tend to hog all the limelight.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of limelight
Noun
  • Toronto was in the catbird seat, just six outs away from the Fall Classic.
    — Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Carter Jensen always dreamed of sitting in the catbird seat at Kauffman Stadium.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of catbird seat

Browse Nearby Words

centers (on)
center stage
center stages
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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