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.

John Murray: This young Australian central defender was recommended to me by a friend who knows the game well there.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The rupiah has been bleeding, and the central bank has no choice but to hike and defend the currency, said Zerlina Zeng at CreditSights.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

"But it's an important piece of the puzzle, as the activity of the striatum, where these cholinergic interneurons are held, is a central component of this system," emphasizes Prof. Wickens.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

That might not mean Warsh will increase rates next week at his first policy meeting as head of the central bank, but he may need to start talking about it.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

“Not to him. He is there, at the very center—in the central chamber.”

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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!