cynosure

noun

ˈsī-nə-ˌshu̇r How to pronounce cynosure (audio)
Definition of cynosurenext
1
as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle with an unwavering commitment to equal rights for all as his only cynosure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest that company is the cynosure for anyone wishing to make it in the music business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cynosure The former played the role of cynosure for the neophytes of the new high society, the latter remaining the bastion of genteel estates and social exclusivity. — JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 From these beginnings, the Voice grew into a cynosure of the counterculture. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 The film’s screenplay, co-written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, finds its metaphoric cynosure in the Japanese concept of komorebi, which describes the play of light and shadow through the leaves of a tree, every shimmering moment unique. — Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2023 Past the age of fifty, the supple cynosure of the salons turned into something of a tottering wreck. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023 MotoGP is the cynosure for those drawn to the heady blend of terror and enticement that defines the quest to go mind-numbingly fast. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2023 As their cynosure, Ernestine herself remains a cipher, full of portentous sayings but little real thought. — Helen Shaw, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2022 It will be called the Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynosure
  1. compass
  2. center
  3. direction
  4. mecca
  5. purpose
  6. capital
  7. focus
  8. hub
Noun
  • There’s a large analog central tachometer accompanied by physical toggle switches and an analog aviation style compass.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Naima was a Muslim convert who likely spun Coltrane’s compass toward non-Western cultures.
    — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of compass
Noun
  • Iran has issued a list of concessions the US must make in order for the vital Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, once again bringing the waterway center-stage in Tehran’s dealings with Washington.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • His early memories center on 2005’s Axis of Evil tour, during which Ahmed Ahmed, Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader, and Dean Obeidallah set out to contend with an American public still living under the cloud of the World Trade Center attack.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Fellow defender William Gallas may have gone in the opposite direction to Tottenham (also on a free) a few years later, but nothing has compared to Campbell’s move since.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Gemini Moon moves through your 11th House of Friends and Community and sextiles Saturn in your 9th House of Vision, helping conversations become plans with real direction.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • The popular theatre was a cultural mecca that drew thousands to its operas, ballets and other public events, and hosted legendary greats including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • Reach out to a teammate about travel plans or a community event, because purpose fires your optimism and keeps everyone moving together.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This broader understanding of purpose is crucial as AI reshapes the future of work.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Those seriously hurt were transported 43 miles away to the capital of North Shewa Administrative Zone, Debre Birhan.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The sticky wicket, which has been the stickiest for AI-tech megacaps, is investor angst around capital expenditures and a sluggish pace of return that could send the stock on a nosedive.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • This, along with driving safety and customer services initiatives, will be a key focus in the years ahead.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • A little focus will make your natural sparkle much easier to trust.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • The city is an important oil refining hub, home to two refineries and a petrochemical plant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In Salisbury, which has become a hub for Haitians who work in nearby factories and farms, ICE recently started detaining people in parking lots and other areas immigrants frequent, according to Fouché of Safe Harbor Circles.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of hub

Browse Nearby Words

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cynosure
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Cite this Entry

“Cynosure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynosure. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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