center stage

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

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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 The New England Patriots are on center stage and the high school sports are on the back burner. Jacob Rousseau, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026 Not at a microphone or center stage, but listening closely and taking it all in. Andrea Navarro, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026 And while her time at Baylor and in the WNBA will be featured, her seven years playing in Russia leading up to her arrest sits center stage. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Almond extract holds center stage, enriching treats with its creamy, nutty, and almost cherry-like bouquet. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for center stage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for center stage
Noun
  • Jess Cooney’s has always demanded top billing.
    Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Estévez lived up to his top billing.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Several significant events brought the plight of African American Southerners to the national and international spotlight.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Athletes pleaded for assistance navigating an onslaught of social media threats as the Olympic spotlight grows with every Games.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The capture and killing of El Mencho focused attention on the 59-year-old kingpin who ran the Jalisco cartel, Mexico’s most powerful.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Cavalry, which Canva has used for its own projects, has gained attention among designers on social media as an alternative to Adobe's After Effects for some work.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The series turned Van Der Beek into a youth heartthrob and catapulted him into the national limelight.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
  • While much of the debate (and excitement) centers on the selection of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the headliner, punk rock fans are eager to see how and what opening band Green Day will do with its moment in the national limelight.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Center stage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/center%20stage. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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