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

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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 In the report, waste reduction and supply chain alignment also took center stage. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 Right away, the engineering takes center stage, underscoring both form and function. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026 While the key group career transitions are referenced, White’s biography takes center stage, frequently overshadowing other aspects of the band’s story. — Prof. Mike Alleyne Ph.d, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Even though there are other siblings in the Fak family that make an appearance on The Bear, these brothers take center stage for their occasional quarreling and their benevolent behavior toward each other. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 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
  • In Washington's Walla Walla Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon often gets top billing.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • And, more broadly, country-level plans that lay out investable climate projects across different countries received top billing at different forums.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 26 June 2026
Definition of top billing
Noun
  • The region, which returned to the global spotlight during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, means a lot to Beccari.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • The last phase of Oliver’s life was marked by an unexpected emergence into the public spotlight.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of spotlight
Noun
  • In June 2024, Kelce and Swift were at the center of worldwide attention, even though their relationship wasn’t even a year old.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The retro ensemble caught the attention of fans and press everywhere.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Kristen’s husband’s life was full of glamour and limelight, whereas her life was all behind the scenes.
    — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • Clearly, Samsung is prioritising keeping its flagship as competitively priced as possible (and perhaps trying to steal a bit of the WWDC limelight this week) despite battling rising manufacturing costs.
    — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 June 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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