CENTER STAGE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

center stage

noun

Definition of center stage

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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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 Anne Hathaway’s take on casual-cool dressing puts her sneakers at the center stage of her outfit. — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 29 July 2026 Jalen Brunson was on center stage in New York again Wednesday, this time for a trio of ovations at the 2026 ESPY Awards. — Reuters, NBC news, 16 July 2026 When the All-Stars took the field Tuesday in Philadelphia, many of the biggest names in the sport were center stage. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 16 July 2026 Once plated, the steak remains at center stage, adorned with a drizzle of the bright, herbaceous chermoula, which enhances the meat without overpowering its rich flavor. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage

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

Panettiere’s death has since cast a spotlight on Hickerson, while extensive public records reviewed by NBC News detail his trail of financial and legal troubles.

— Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026
By the mid- to late 2000s—accelerated by the global financial crisis—data governance was thrust into the executive spotlight.

— Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of spotlight

Noun

One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of attention

Browse Nearby Words

centers (on)

center stage

center stages

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“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of center stage

noun

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