centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsen-tər-ˌpēs 

ˈse-nər-

1

: an object occupying a central position

especially : an adornment in the center of a table

2

: one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole

the centerpiece of a political agenda

Synonyms

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pith
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of centerpiece in a Sentence

resolution of the original dispute became the centerpiece of the negotiations

Recent Examples on the Web

Across the board, denim brands are traveling back in time for spring 2025, not only to get their creative juices flowing with references spanning the decades, but also making nostalgic designs the centerpieces of their newest collections. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025

That's a relief for football fans, as wings will be the centerpiece of many a Super Bowl spread this weekend. —Scott Horsley, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025

The centerpiece of the deal was Doncic, with the Lakers sending away several key players—Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Max Christie, and future draft picks—along with some additional assets. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Kupp has been a centerpiece of McVay’s offensive game plans throughout his career, catching 634 passes for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns. —Greg Beacham, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

centerpiece

noun

cen·​ter·​piece ˈsent-ər-ˌpēs 

: a piece put in the center of something and especially a decoration (as flowers) for the center of a table