epicenter
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for epicenter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The point on the earth's surface directly above the underground spot where an earthquake begins.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun American spelling; British 'epicentre'
The point on the earth's surface directly above the underground spot where an earthquake begins.
“The epicenter was located twelve miles offshore.”
How to Use Epicenter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The figurative sense is fully established in journalism but is sometimes criticised in formal writing.
Etymology
From Greek epi ('upon') plus kentron ('centre'), literally the point upon the centre.
Full origin of epicenter →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the epicenter and the hypocenter of an earthquake?
The hypocenter, also called the focus, is the actual point underground where the rock ruptures. The epicenter is the spot on the surface directly above it, which is why it is the location reported in the news.
Is 'epicenter' or 'epicentre' correct?
Both are correct; the difference is regional. 'Epicenter' is standard in the United States, and 'epicentre' is standard in Britain, Ireland, Australia and Canada.
Can you use 'epicenter' to mean 'centre'?
In everyday and journalistic writing, yes, and it is very common. Some careful writers object because the epicenter of a quake is technically above the source rather than at it, so in formal prose plain 'centre' or 'heart' is safer.