zero in on
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
Other designers zero in on the shapes, ridges and all, as inspiration for furniture silhouettes and accessories.
—
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
The Interior Department also blamed former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, specifically zeroing in on the latter’s apparent failure to keep the Reflecting Pool aesthetically pleasing.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Discussing the rally, Kay zeroed in on Dart’s teammate, Abdul Carter, who publicly criticized the quarterback’s endorsement.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
As much as the Thunder have zeroed in on an on-court style — playing defense is a requirement in Oklahoma City, as is thriving inside an offense overridden with quick decision-making, screening and cutting — the team has bound itself to a personality profile.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for zero in on
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.
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
The Interior Department also blamed former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, specifically zeroing in on the latter’s apparent failure to keep the Reflecting Pool aesthetically pleasing.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Discussing the rally, Kay zeroed in on Dart’s teammate, Abdul Carter, who publicly criticized the quarterback’s endorsement.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
As much as the Thunder have zeroed in on an on-court style — playing defense is a requirement in Oklahoma City, as is thriving inside an offense overridden with quick decision-making, screening and cutting — the team has bound itself to a personality profile.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 27 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
