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 At a time when the race to build the best frontier models is center stage, the competition to establish the next hardware platform is shaping up to be just as important. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026 Leaving center stage will be more difficult for Ronaldo, whose contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr — a deal that reportedly pays him around $6 million a week — expires next year. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The jagged edges of the lower bowl almost spotlight the playing field like center stage. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Trump's party will put him center stage at an unusual midterm convention on Wednesday and Thursday in Dallas in hopes of stoking voters' enthusiasm. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 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
  • 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
  • Summer may get top billing for vacations, but budget-conscious travelers may want to hold off until fall.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of top billing
Noun
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Affleck, always at his best in roles that place his all-American alpha qualities under a harsh, sweat-inducing spotlight, has cast himself ideally here.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of spotlight
Noun
  • While the Blue Demon induces perceptual disorientation, the Rooster privileges visual attention and the architectural discipline of gaze.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But while Antetokounmpo gets most of the attention as the Heat’s new star, Adebayo will again be relied on to be the team’s leader.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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