centerpiece

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'centerpiece' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is the most important or most attractive part of something, or the center attraction or focus of something. For example: "The centerpiece of the annual music festival is a concert by a well-known singer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Top of the energy industry executives' minds will be the EPA rules which will for the first time limit carbon pollution from power plants and are the centerpiece of Barack Obama's climate change agenda.

The Guardian

Those videos, though, emerged as the centerpiece of the government's case.

The Guardian

The note became the centerpiece of the documentary series because the film-makers found an envelope stamped with Durst's name and office address whose block-letter writing closely resembled the note sent by the killer.

The Guardian

And that means I have to think about those workers in that video just as much as I'm thinking about folks who have been much more successful.This line of argument, as far as I can tell, is going to be the centerpiece of Mr Obama's case against Mr Romney.

The Economist

The state insurance marketplaces that form the centerpiece of the health law are scheduled to open on October 1st, but many are not ready.

The Economist

The centerpiece of that plan, designed largely by Douglas Holtz-Eakin, was the elimination of the employer-sponsored insurance tax exclusion and its replacement with a voucher to buy health insurance on the individual market.

The Economist

I'd also like to see that he can take a risk for something he believes.Cue Scott Galupo, who's hoping Mr Romney will name Paul Ryan his running mate If Obama wins a contest in which the Ryan budget is a centerpiece of the GOP campaign, then perhaps enough Republicans will be ripe for a Bowles-Simpson- or Gang of Six-style compromise next year.

The Economist

It is the centerpiece of a $1.3 trillion U.S. mailing industry that supports 7.5 million private-sector jobs.

The Economist

It is unclear whether any of these lesser bills would include a "path to citizenship" for America's 11m-odd illegal immigrants the centerpiece of the Senate's effort in the eyes of many Democrats.

The Economist

In fact with the death of socialism, greenery is now the new faith of idealists, providing a new focus for their inherent dirigisme, likely to harm rather than benefit humanity, not least those living in the third world.The centerpiece of the international green agitation concerns the control of the so-called greenhouse gases C02, CH4, N20 and CFCs.

The Economist

Tokyo will build 22 of the 37 Olympic venues from scratch, and spend $1 billion refurbishing the national Olympic stadium, the centerpiece of Japan's 1964 Olympics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "centerpiece", ensure it clearly represents the most significant or visually dominant aspect of what you are describing. Its effect should be immediate and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "centerpiece" to describe something of secondary importance. Ensure it truly is the central or most prominent element, or consider using a different descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The term "centerpiece" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the main or most important item in a collection or arrangement. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing its central role or visual dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "centerpiece" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that denotes the most important or visually dominant element in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across various domains. It appears commonly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "centerpiece", make sure that the element you're describing is indeed the most significant. Alternatives include "focal point", "main attraction", and "key element".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focal point

Focuses on the aspect of being the main point of attention.

main attraction

Highlights the quality of being the most interesting or appealing feature.

key element

Emphasizes the crucial role in a larger structure or plan.

central feature

Focuses on the characteristic of being the core or primary aspect.

cornerstone

Stresses the foundational and indispensable nature.

crucial aspect

Highlights the importance of a specific detail or element.

linchpin

Emphasizes the role of holding essential parts together.

core component

Focuses on being an integral and necessary part.

heart of the matter

Indicates the most important or fundamental issue.

central theme

Highlights the overarching idea or subject.

FAQs

How is "centerpiece" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "centerpiece" functions as a noun to identify the main or most visually appealing item in a collection or arrangement. For example, "The sculpture was the centerpiece of the gallery."

What are some alternatives to using "centerpiece"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "focal point", "main attraction", or "key element".

What does it mean when something is described as the "centerpiece"?

Describing something as the "centerpiece" implies it is the most important, attractive, or noteworthy item in a particular setting or discussion.

Is "centerpiece" only used for physical objects?

No, "centerpiece" can also be used metaphorically to describe the most important aspect of a plan, argument, or event, not just physical objects. For example, "The new policy is the centerpiece of their reform efforts."