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

NBCUniversal now sees the London TV Screenings as comparable in importance to May’s LA Screenings, so assume a splashy showcase with the ultra-buzzy Suits: LA the centerpiece. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025

Boston’s three-time All-NBA centerpiece also did not leave the bench in Team USA’s epic semifinal rematch against Serbia, during which the Americans fell behind by 17 points before rallying to win. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Feb. 2025

Davis, the centerpiece acquisition of Dallas' controversial blockbuster trade of five-time All-NBA guard Luka Doncic earlier this month, got hurt in his first available game for his new team. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

The course was the centerpiece of the fledgling, namesake Woodhaven development, a real estate venture unveiled by Fort Worth business moguls Sid and Perry Bass and Texas Gov. John Connally. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 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