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

Which is exactly why people have zeroed in on some names that seem surprising, in the grand scheme of things. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 4 Feb. 2026

The Athletic zeroed in on Poeltl as the player who will have to go to a third team in order for the Kings and Raptors to finalize a deal for Sabonis. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026

More recent research has zeroed in on the dynamics of the sibling relationship. —Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

The Raiders appeared to be zeroing in on Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, according to multiple reports on Sunday. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for zero in on

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