centrifugal force
noun
: the apparent force that is felt by an object moving in a curved path that acts outwardly away from the center of rotation compare centripetal force
Examples of centrifugal force in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Just slightly larger than a toaster, the appliance uses a cylinder, spinning at several hundred rotations per minute, to create its own artificial gravity through centrifugal force.
—
Sarah Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
The resulting centrifugal force was equivalent to one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, which is what would be felt on the Moon.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025
Scientists have theorized that by spinning a spacecraft or a specific section of it, centrifugal force could mimic the effects of gravity, allowing astronauts to function more normally during long space missions.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Without a compelling and widely shared vision for the Ethiopian state, neither Abiy nor any potential successor will be able to prevent the centrifugal forces from overwhelming the centripetal ones.
—Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2021
See all Example Sentences for centrifugal force 
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.
Sarah Miller, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
The resulting centrifugal force was equivalent to one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, which is what would be felt on the Moon.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025
Scientists have theorized that by spinning a spacecraft or a specific section of it, centrifugal force could mimic the effects of gravity, allowing astronauts to function more normally during long space missions.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Without a compelling and widely shared vision for the Ethiopian state, neither Abiy nor any potential successor will be able to prevent the centrifugal forces from overwhelming the centripetal ones.
—Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2021
See all Example Sentences for centrifugal force
Dictionary Entries Near centrifugal force
Cite this Entry
“Centrifugal force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centrifugal%20force. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share