What is the opposite of “central”?

What is the antonym of “central”?

The antonyms of central are peripheral, marginal, and secondary. These words describe something that is not at the center or is of lesser importance.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

peripheral

Relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something.

Example

The company's peripheral departments, such as HR and IT, are located in a separate building.

marginal

Of secondary or minor importance; not central.

Example

The CEO's decision had only a marginal impact on the company's overall performance.

secondary

Coming after, less important than, or resulting from someone or something else that is primary.

Example

The professor's lecture covered the secondary aspects of the topic, leaving out the most important details.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Peripheral refers to something that is on the edge or outside the main area, while marginal describes something that is of secondary importance.
• 2. Secondary is used to describe something that comes after or is less important than something else, while central is used to describe something that is at the core or is of primary importance.

Good things to know

• 1. Academic Writing: Use central and its antonyms to describe the importance of a topic or concept.
• 2. Geography: Use peripheral to describe the location of a place or region.
• 3. Business: Use marginal and secondary to describe the importance of a product or service.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of central are peripheral, marginal, and secondary. These words describe something that is not at the center or is of lesser importance. Use these words in academic writing to describe the importance of a topic or concept, in geography to describe the location of a place or region, and in business to describe the importance of a product or service.