Definitions

central

[sen-truhl] / ˈsɛn trəl /

ADJECTIVE

main, principal; in the middle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basic essential fundamental important key paramount pivotal significant

STRONG

cardinal center chief dominant interior intermediate leading master mean median middle midway primary prime radical ruling salient umbilical

WEAK

axial centric centroidal equidistant focal foremost inmost inner mid middlemost midmost nuclear omphalic outstanding overriding predominant

Antonyms

STRONGEST

additional auxiliary extra inessential insignificant minor nonessential secondary trivial unimportant unsubstantial

STRONG

exterior extreme inferior outer outside subordinate

WEAK

peripheral

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Agency for International Development, for example, was a program monitoring the advance of the New World screwworm north from Central America.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

He has praised several of his favorite officials—Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in his first term, Gen. Dan Caine now—for looking their role, “straight out of Central Casting.”

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Market focus is also on the European Central Bank rate decision due at 1215 GMT, where an interest rate increase is expected.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Ideally, Rodrigo would also receive an outdoor proposal in New York's Central Park.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

They could show him off in Central Park.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Vocabulary lists containing central

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!