center stage

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

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 Senate and House debates return to center stage this week as candidates nationwide make their cases to voters less than a month before Election Day. — Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 11 Oct. 2026 Hilton’s attack on Becerra’s dad was never meant for a California audience, where the Latino experience of fluidity in geography and identity holds center stage. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 The Division Series matchups see the American League taking center stage today with the Gurdians playing against the White Sox, and the Rays taking on the Yankees. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Two years after the attack, Hall stood center stage on prostheses, in a suit that ended just above his knees. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage
Noun
  • The chicken wings, tenders and sandwiches get top billing here.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Dry complexions may get top billing here, but this lightweight overachiever plays just as nicely with combination, oily, acne-prone, and everything-in-between skin.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And spare furnishings spotlight craft—from the dining area’s custom walnut table to the stairwell’s Isamu Noguchi pendant.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Nobody Wants This season three tones down its exploration of Judaism and Jewish culture significantly — like, to the extent that Christmas traditions get a more elaborate episode spotlight than any Jewish holiday does.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • If they really can’t be bothered to show some respect then we shouldn’t be bothered enough to give them our attention and money.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
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
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster