noun / adjective
centrist
SEN-trist/ˈsentrɪst/
Holding moderate political views between left and right.
The centrist candidate seeks support from voters in both major parties.
Etymology
The center became a political metaphor for moderate views between left and right. The person-forming suffix turns that middle position into a name for someone who holds such views.
In context
Cowboy is left leaning centrist. No the [ __ ] I am not. I am fully leftlean.
More examples
- Her platform appeals to centrists.
- The party adopts a more centrist position.
- He describes himself as a pragmatic centrist.
Forms
centrist · centrists
Similar words
- moderate
- Can mean avoiding extremes in many contexts beyond left-right politics.
- independent
- Has no party allegiance but need not hold centrist views.