as in moderate
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
several centrist candidates were elected, apparently in a reaction against the extremists
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as in reformer
a person who holds moderate views
the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely
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Recent Examples of centrist
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
The development marks another boost for far-right lawmakers in Europe, where extreme political parties have gained momentum as incumbent centrists have struggled to build coalitions and hold on to power.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 6 Jan. 2025
Wikler has the backing of centrists and progressives, including Third Way, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and MoveOn.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The former valedictorian of an elite Baltimore prep school and Ivy League graduate shared posts on social media from an eclectic stream of populists, entrepreneurs, neuroscientists, centrists and disruptors.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for centrist 
Noun
Some centrists want more government regulation, while some on the right question whether health coverage is necessary at all.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
The development marks another boost for far-right lawmakers in Europe, where extreme political parties have gained momentum as incumbent centrists have struggled to build coalitions and hold on to power.
—Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 6 Jan. 2025
Wikler has the backing of centrists and progressives, including Third Way, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and MoveOn.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The former valedictorian of an elite Baltimore prep school and Ivy League graduate shared posts on social media from an eclectic stream of populists, entrepreneurs, neuroscientists, centrists and disruptors.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for centrist
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Cite this Entry
“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/centrist. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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