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 administration has zeroed in on Minnesota following revelations of large-scale fraud involving social service programs in the Minneapolis area.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
My eyes zero in on a red door, its frame one of the few surviving remnants of a home.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Columbus police have not answered CNN’s questions about whether detectives have zeroed in on a suspect or a possible motive; how the assailant got into the house; whether the couple was targeted; or whether there is any ongoing threat to the public.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.
—Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zero in on
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Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
My eyes zero in on a red door, its frame one of the few surviving remnants of a home.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Columbus police have not answered CNN’s questions about whether detectives have zeroed in on a suspect or a possible motive; how the assailant got into the house; whether the couple was targeted; or whether there is any ongoing threat to the public.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.
—Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zero in on
Cite this Entry
“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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