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.

The precious metal also forms part of the central bank’s currency defense war chest, comprising roughly 17% of its forex reserves as of end-March.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Neither Inovio or Novavax appear to be as central to hantavirus immunization efforts as Moderna, however.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

It will be played at 10 central London Underground stations, including Bank, Canary Wharf and Liverpool Street, as well as at several bus stations, until 17 May.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

The central bank is likely to be stymied from cutting interest rates aggressively, leaving the cost of borrowing painfully high for prospective home buyers and anyone who needs a big loan.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

The latest outbreak was allegedly the result of human waste contaminating a local water supply in the central plateau.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing central

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!