zero in on

phrasal verb

zeroed in on; zeroing in on; zeroes in on

1

: to direct all of one's attention to (someone or something)

Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.

2

: to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)

The gunner zeroed in on the target.

Examples of zero in on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The judges also zeroed in on an error in Peters’ case in which one charge, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, was presented to the jury with language that described a misdemeanor-level crime, when, in fact, prosecutors intended for jurors to consider it as a felony-level crime. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026

Miami Dolphins Head coach The team’s philosophy was to first secure its new general manager before zeroing in on the head coach hire. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

According to a police investigative police report following the storage facility fire, San Jose Police zeroed in on two suspects, Anthony DaSilva and a partner, Nathaniel Valassis, days after the incident. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026

Eagle-eyed observers zeroed in on a seemingly warm exchange between Zaslav and Netflix Chief Executive Ted Sarandos at the event. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for zero in on

• agamemnon
• automaton
• diencephalon
• panopticon
• phenomenon
• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon