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.

"Clearly, autonomous systems now are really central to how contest happens, how war happens," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

SINGAPORE—Singapore’s central bank tightened monetary policy settings for the first time in over three years as it braces for the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It has already been established Manchester United will be trying to sign at least two central midfield players in the summer.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“Invisible because there is no inflation, and since there is no inflation, no one worries about the central bank.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Near the window, a central air-conditioning unit put out a steady rumble.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

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!

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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!

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

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!