centrist

Or Cen·trist

[sen-trist]

noun

1. (especially in continental Europe) a member of a political party of the Center; moderate.

adjective

1. of or relating to centrists or to their political views; middle-of-the-road.

centrist

/ ˈsɛntrɪst /

noun

1. a person holding moderate political views

Other Word Forms

• centrism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of centrist¹

From the French word centriste, dating back to 1870–75; center, -ist

Example Sentences

In Bolivia, the recent election of President Rodrigo Paz, a business-friendly centrist, after years of socialist rule has buoyed hopes that the government might ease state controls over the lithium industry.

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His opponent, Republican John Duarte, who cast himself a centrist in the race, had only held the seat for one term before being beat.

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In an interview with Salon, Lawrence rejected the notion that Americans are yearning for a centrist party, saying that voters want candidates who offer tangible material, positive change.

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Bolivia elected a centrist, pro-market president last month after nearly two decades of socialist rule, his inauguration attended by Christopher Landau, the U.S.’s deputy secretary of state.

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Critics blame him for allowing centrist Democrats to give up the political game of chicken, which they appeared to be winning.

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Related Words

• mainstreamer 
• middle-of-the-roader www.thesaurus.com
• moderatist www.thesaurus.com