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

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Even so, the 50 contestants did the casting math and have zeroed in on Savannah as the likely third winner. Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026 In the days leading up to the raid, a Predator surveillance drone flew at 20,000 feet over the southwestern states of Colima, Nayarit and Jalisco, gathering intelligence on cartel operatives and zeroing in on Oseguera. Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 There’s a lot on his plate and critics are zeroing in on his mental state and behavior – including his recent tirade against the high court. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 24 Feb. 2026 Top-wise, besides corsetry, retailers will no doubt zero in on silhouettes that float and drape on the body, with Isabella-esque puffed sleeves or Cathy-leaning off-the-shoulder necklines. Alice Cary, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zero in on

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Cite this Entry

“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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