Moderate vs. Centrism — What's the Difference?

A person advocating for or pursuing policies that avoid extremes.

Emphasizing balance and equidistance from extremes.

Not extreme, excessive, or intense.

A political ideology centered around middle-ground policies.

Pertaining to an intermediate position in politics.

Belief in avoiding political extremes and maintaining a central position.

Fairly small or limited in amount.

Advocating for neutrality and compromise in politics.

Acting as a moderating force to lessen intensity or extremity.

A strategy in politics to attract a broad spectrum of voters.

Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme

Centrism is a political outlook or position that involves acceptance and/or support of a balance of social equality and a degree of social hierarchy, while opposing political changes which would result in a significant shift of society strongly to either the left or the right.Both centre-left and centre-right politics involve a general association with centrism that is combined with leaning somewhat to their respective sides of the left–right political spectrum. Various political ideologies, such as Christian democracy and certain forms of social and classical liberalism, can be classified as centrist ones, as can the Third Way, a modern political movement that attempts to reconcile right-wing and left-wing politics by advocating for a synthesis of centre-right economic platforms with some centre-left social policies.

Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate

The political philosophy of taking a moderate position that avoids extremes, as of right and left.

Of medium or average quantity or extent.

Any moderate political philosophy that avoids extremes.

Of limited or average quality; mediocre.

A political philosophy of avoiding the extremes of left and right by taking a moderate position or course of action

Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.

One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion.

To cause to be less extreme, intense, or violent.

To preside over

To become less extreme, intense, or violent; abate.

To act as a moderator.

Not excessive; acting in moderation

More than mild, less than severe

Mediocre

Average priced; standard-deal

Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle.

Having an intermediate position between liberal and conservative.

One who holds an intermediate position between extremes, as in politics.

One of a party in Scottish Church history dominant in the 18th century, lax in doctrine and discipline, but intolerant of evangelicalism and popular rights. It caused the secessions of 1733 and 1761, and its final resultant was the Disruption of 1843.

(transitive) To reduce the excessiveness of (something)

(intransitive) To become less excessive

(transitive) To preside over (something) as a moderator

(intransitive) To act as a moderator; to assist in bringing to compromise

To supply with a moderator substance that decreases the speed of neutrons in a nuclear reactor and hence increases likelihood of fission.

Kept within due bounds; observing reasonable limits; not excessive, extreme, violent, or rigorous; limited; restrained

Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, a moderate winter.

One of a party in the Church of Scotland in the 18th century, and part of the 19th, professing moderation in matters of church government, in discipline, and in doctrine.

To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a state of violence, intensity, or excess; to keep within bounds; to make temperate; to lessen; to allay; to repress; to temper; to qualify; as, to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.; to moderate heat or wind.

To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting or a discussion; as, to moderate a synod; to moderate a debate.

To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or intense; as, the wind has moderated.

To preside as a moderator.

A person who takes a position in the political center

Preside over;

Make less fast or intense;

Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;

Make less severe or harsh;

Make less strong or intense; soften;

Restrain or temper

Being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme;

Not extreme;

Marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes;

Moderates are flexible and can shift their views, while centrists consistently pursue a neutral path.

Moderate politics involves adopting positions that fall between extreme viewpoints, focusing on compromise and balance.

While centrists can be seen as a subset of moderates, their strict adherence to middle-ground policies distinguishes them from the broader, more flexible approach of moderates.

Moderate politics can bridge divides and appeal to a diverse electorate, potentially leading to more inclusive governance.

Centrism is often criticized for being too cautious and not conducive to significant change when it's needed.

Many politicians claim moderate or centrist positions to appeal to a broad electorate, though their policies might vary significantly.

Centrism is a political ideology that specifically seeks to maintain a middle-of-the-road stance on issues, avoiding swings towards any extremes.

Being a moderate might be more advantageous in a polarized environment as it allows for more flexibility to adapt and reconcile differing views.

Moderate politics is adaptable and can address a wider range of issues pragmatically, unlike centrism which often remains static.

Centrist policies usually aim to balance or reduce the influence of extreme ideologies, focusing on practical and sustainable solutions.

The future of centrism may hinge on its ability to adapt and address contemporary issues while retaining its core principle of moderation.

Moderates typically seek middle-ground solutions that can incorporate or mitigate extreme views.

Centrists face challenges in making impactful changes while maintaining their central stance amidst growing polarization.

Moderates are often viewed as pragmatic, while centrists are seen as principled but potentially unadventurous.

Moderates can influence political debates by steering discussions towards compromise and practical solutions.