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Definitions

hotbed

[hot-bed] / ˈhɒtˌbɛd /
NOUN
center
Synonyms
STRONGEST
heart hub place
STRONG
axis bull's-eye centrality centriole centrum core cynosure essence focus gist inside interior kernel mainstream marrow midpoint midst nave navel nucleus omphalos pith pivot polestar quick root seat
WEAK
equidistance focal point intermediacy middle-of-the-road radial point
Antonyms
STRONGEST
exterior exteriority outside
WEAK
border boundary edge margin outskirts periphery rim surroundings
NOUN
den
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cave nest sanctuary
STRONG
atelier burrow cloister couch cubbyhole haunt hideout hole lair lodge retreat sanctum shelter snuggery study
NOUN
midpoint
Synonyms
STRONG
axis bull's-eye centrality centriole centrum core cynosure essence focus gist heart hub inside interior kernel mainstream marrow median middle midst nave navel nucleus omphalos pith pivot place polestar quick root seat
WEAK
equidistance focal point intermediacy middle-of-the-road radial point
Antonyms
STRONG
exterior exteriority outside surface
NOUN
nerve center
Synonyms
STRONGEST
command post focal point headquarters
STRONG
heart
WEAK
HQ control center core epicenter esoteric reality focus ganglion hub inner reality intrinsic reality switchboard vital center vital principle
NOUN
trouble spot
Synonyms
WEAK
hot spot plague spot possible difficulty source of trouble time bomb war zone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Europe is widely regarded as a hotbed of quantum innovation.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The south west of the country is a particular hotbed, with six of the 10 Team GB curlers having links to the area.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

“Minnesota in general has been the hotbed of traditional progressive politics,” Sonnenfeld says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2026

Universities, a hotbed of protests, are still closed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

Dr. King accepted Shuttlesworth’s invitation to come to Birmingham, a hotbed of racial violence—the city Dr. King called “the most segregated city in America.”

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry