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
  • This may be because there are many new hunters who either lack wilderness smarts or who have read articles in the magazines explaining how a man in the woods can find his way by taking bearings with a compass on top of a map.
    — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In addition to charging your devices, this solar power bank also functions as a super-bright flashlight and a compass.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of compass
Noun
  • The Clippers were without center Isaiah Jackson (groin), as well as former Pelicans star Brandon Ingram (heel), who is close to his debut for his new team.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • At least 55 Ukrainians were killed Monday when Russia bombed a school building used as a shelter and aid center in Zaporizhzhia, one of the deadliest incidents of a conflict in its fifth year.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • In some applications, the process can also work in the opposite direction.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Politics is cyclical, and swing voters have proved consistently in recent years that their loyalties tend in no particular direction.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • In the winter, this is one-horse town completely transforms into a mecca for serious backcountry skiers.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But in the eight years since that location opened its doors, the brand has grown, and the mall has evolved from small art galleries into a vintage mecca.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • North Korea’s Missile Administration said its cluster warheads fall into four categories, depending on their intended purpose.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The flashback structure doesn’t serve much of a purpose except to delay the audience’s complete endorsement of a character who, though appropriately cantankerous, is unambiguously a hero and nice guy.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Keithsolis Brown and Darrell Burke were arrested Tuesday and both face capital murder charges.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • With the balance of power in Tallahassee at stake, Miami’s Republican state senators fended off tough challenges Tuesday night, while Democratic candidates flipped several South Florida state House seats for the minority party in Florida’s capital.
    — Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • Protecting trade secrets The growing competition is putting greater focus on how semiconductor companies protect the knowledge accumulated by engineers working on complex manufacturing processes.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • District officials also shared a statement on Wednesday saying its focus remains the same in serving students despite the pending change in statewide leadership.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • Yet the group would help transform that club and Max’s Kansas City into hubs for punk bands and the avant-garde such as Blondie, the Ramones and Talking Heads.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Alaska could be transformed into a major data center hub following a new assessment of natural gas resources in the region which appear big enough to power huge advanced computing and AI sites.
    — Oliver Trapnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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