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 hubbub somehow awakens the mysterious powers of the titular compass, transporting the twosome to ‘Golden City’ in China, modeled after the Forbidden City, where a storyline based on Chinese mythology is about to get going.
    — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In the third volume of her Diaspora Quartet, Lee follows the Koh family from Australia to Korea to the United States as their paterfamilias John hews to his strong inner compass.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of compass
Noun
  • The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The center makes the protection calls, and often, zone runs cut vertically toward the center.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Our study takes only a tiny step – but still a step – in that direction, helping to nail down the mechanism of exotic superconductivity in graphene.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Florida Department of Transportation website notes that at least one lane in each direction will remain open at all times.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • The barbecue mecca in Caldwell County is home to around 18,000 people and roughly a half-hour drive from south Austin, traffic depending.
    — Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • By the end of Saturday night, the sanctuary had served two purposes at once.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Chevy provided The Drive with travel, accommodations, and access to the vehicle for the purpose of writing this review.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Consequently, the ramifications of Japan's policy changes are no longer confined to the yen and domestic markets, but are fast becoming a key variable influencing global interest rates and capital flows.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • At the time, a conviction for a capital felony carried either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
    — Greg Smith, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • As anybody who has been camping knows, the flicker of bright flames against the darkness can be as much a visual distraction as a point of focus.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • More than 200 municipalities have adopted the Vision Zero approach, for instance, a public health focus on programs and environments that increase traffic safety for all ages.
    — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • The collaboration aims to develop a robust local supply chain and position India as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for advanced rocket systems.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The airport is one of the busiest in the country, seeing some 26 million passengers board flights out of the hub in 2025, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of hub

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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 11 Sep. 2026.

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