1
as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle
with an unwavering commitment to equal rights for all as his only cynosure
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2
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
that company is the cynosure for anyone wishing to make it in the music business
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cynosure
From these beginnings, the Voice grew into a cynosure of the counterculture.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
The film’s screenplay, co-written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, finds its metaphoric cynosure in the Japanese concept of komorebi, which describes the play of light and shadow through the leaves of a tree, every shimmering moment unique.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2023
Past the age of fifty, the supple cynosure of the salons turned into something of a tottering wreck.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
MotoGP is the cynosure for those drawn to the heady blend of terror and enticement that defines the quest to go mind-numbingly fast.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2023
As their cynosure, Ernestine herself remains a cipher, full of portentous sayings but little real thought.
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2022
The setting had all the elements of a stirring, emotional clash: an underlying sense of betrayal, accusations of soulless greed, the prospect of transformative change and a popular, beloved figure trapped in the cynosure of the firestorm.
—Bill Pennington, New York Times, 16 June 2022
The Celtic cynosure in the 100-96 triumph, Tatum logged a team-best 26 points along with 10 rebounds and 6 assists while scoring 7 vital fourth-quarter points.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 30 May 2022
While the Sackler family, which owned Purdue, attracted intense national attention and became a cynosure of criticism after the company’s introduction of its blockbuster pill OxyContin, the Mallinckrodt brand slipped under the radar.
—Washington Post, 10 May 2022
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
The film’s screenplay, co-written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, finds its metaphoric cynosure in the Japanese concept of komorebi, which describes the play of light and shadow through the leaves of a tree, every shimmering moment unique.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2023
Past the age of fifty, the supple cynosure of the salons turned into something of a tottering wreck.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023
MotoGP is the cynosure for those drawn to the heady blend of terror and enticement that defines the quest to go mind-numbingly fast.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2023
As their cynosure, Ernestine herself remains a cipher, full of portentous sayings but little real thought.
—Helen Shaw, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2022
The setting had all the elements of a stirring, emotional clash: an underlying sense of betrayal, accusations of soulless greed, the prospect of transformative change and a popular, beloved figure trapped in the cynosure of the firestorm.
—Bill Pennington, New York Times, 16 June 2022
The Celtic cynosure in the 100-96 triumph, Tatum logged a team-best 26 points along with 10 rebounds and 6 assists while scoring 7 vital fourth-quarter points.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 30 May 2022
While the Sackler family, which owned Purdue, attracted intense national attention and became a cynosure of criticism after the company’s introduction of its blockbuster pill OxyContin, the Mallinckrodt brand slipped under the radar.
—Washington Post, 10 May 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynosure
Noun
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This clarity becomes your compass for navigating complexity and creating meaningful, lasting impact.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
This can happen if a storm blows them off-course from their migratory trajectory or if their internal compass gets mixed up, but scientists suspect there might be other complex factors at play.—
Elizabeth Gamillo,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Dressmaker and activist Mary Dickerson (top row, center) inspires a character in HBO's The Gilded Age.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
8 July 2025
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As a center back, Arias can control the pitch and direct the vision of play with strength that holds the backline together.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
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These initiatives build on 10 Corso Como’s increasing focus on boosting its cultural programming, as part of the new direction under the vision of Tiziana Fausti.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
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Art direction is led by Pawas Sawatchaiyamet (Monkey Man) and visual effects is headed by Lee Stringer (Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, Star Wars: Clone Wars).—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
No place on earth draws more fanatics than Penang, the world’s mecca for durian lovers.—
Tom Downey,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 June 2025
-
Indianapolis has become a mecca for those activities as the home of the Indy 500 and the Pacers (who came up just short of winning the NBA crown this year).—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
-
The well was bundled together with another for contracting purposes, and the cost to plug the two was more than $400,000.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
As Russian troops slowly clawed back most of Kursk, attacks on Sumy – and its regional capital, Sumy city – increased.—
Joanna Kakissis,
NPR,
11 July 2025
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Located in the ritzy Ginza district of the Japanese capital, the boutique stands out with a massive, shining facade in the brand’s signature blue color.—
Kelly Wetherille,
Footwear News,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The collaboration is an example of how True Religion is sharpening its focus on the women’s category.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 July 2025
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The move reflects Recruit Holdings' focus on using AI to transform how job-seekers look for work and how employers handle recruitment.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Like in the United States, Australian campuses were once the hub of pro-Palestinian protests led by students who pitched tents demanding action to stop Israel’s assault on Gaza.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
10 July 2025
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Across our footprint, 1,000+ founders activated in our business hubs—contributed, connected, and claimed space in the future of culture and commerce.—
ESSENCE Staff,
Essence,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cynosure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynosure. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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