omphalos

noun

ˈäm(p)-fə-ˌläs How to pronounce omphalos (audio)
Definition of omphalosnext
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest during the Vietnam War the university's campus effectively became the area's omphalos for antiwar activity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 omphalos While the rest of the world was in its accustomed turmoil, the Press, for which Ireland was the omphalos of the universe, took scant notice. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 In front of me was a black ovoid stone, known as the omphalos, set on the spot in Greek mythology where two eagles loosed by Zeus crossed paths at the earth’s nexus. — Liz Alderman, New York Times, 9 July 2019 Zeus marked the spot with a stone called the omphalos (navel), to signify the location’s centrality. — National Geographic, 12 Mar. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for omphalos
  1. center
  2. capital
  3. mecca
  4. hub
  5. nucleus
  6. navel
  7. locus
Noun
  • Balancing functionality with the brand’s house codes, the bag features two spacious compartments and a zippered one in the center.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sunday marked the grand opening of the center's Community Baby Closet, which offers resources such as diapers, wipes, newborn clothing, baby gear and postpartum supplies.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • The power company said the attack resulted in outages across the southern parts of the city, which is located about 47 kilometers (about 30 miles) west of the capital Tripoli.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The 34-year-old returned to a hero’s welcome in his nation’s capital of Mogadishu following his denial of entry to the US.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • The popular theatre was a cultural mecca that drew thousands to its operas, ballets and other public events, and hosted legendary greats including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • The targets weren't oil refineries, maritime hubs or arms plants hit by other Ukrainian strikes, but warehouses that bring the convenience of online shopping across the breadth of Russia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For the first time in almost a month, a large tanker last week began loading crude at the western terminal of Iran’s main export hub Kharg Island, Windward said.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub
Noun
  • The researchers used an experiment at RHIC called STAR (Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC) to pinpoint the baryon number’s transport between particles by looking at collisions of two heavy nuclei, ruthenium and zirconium.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These collisions will be used to examine how fundamental particles and forces produce the properties of protons, neutrons and nuclei.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of nucleus
Noun
  • This tilt toward Gloria causes the film to lose its way a bit, pulling focus from the more potentially vital mentor-disciple dynamic between Ed and the anxious, navel-gazing Meyers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the center of the room, a few feet from the spiral staircase covered in chili pepper string lights, a dozen people simmered in the navel-high spa waters of a cylindrical tub.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of navel
Noun
  • Casablanca is another clear reference point for an episode in which a café serves as a locus of intrigue for a resistance group fighting against oppressive invaders.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The lifetime plan includes 52 interactive micro-lessons, 11 core memory skills, 140 virtual loci, unlimited practice attempts, and a distraction-free, ad-free experience.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of locus

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Cite this Entry

“Omphalos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/omphalos. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on omphalos

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about omphalos

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