cynosure

noun

ˈsī-nə-ˌshu̇r How to pronounce cynosure (audio)
Definition of cynosurenext
1
as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle with an unwavering commitment to equal rights for all as his only cynosure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cynosure The former played the role of cynosure for the neophytes of the new high society, the latter remaining the bastion of genteel estates and social exclusivity. — JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025 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 It will be called the Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynosure
  1. compass
  2. center
  3. direction
  4. mecca
  5. purpose
  6. capital
  7. focus
  8. hub
Noun
  • For now, the lookout volunteers use a map, compass and familiarity with landmarks to pinpoint the location for initial attack crews.
    — Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles).
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
Definition of compass
Noun
  • His eventual dismissal in second-half stoppage time was an exercise in rash stupidity, crashing through Spain’s teenage center back Pau Cubarsi.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Nestle the feta in the center of the sheet pan among the tomatoes and gnocchi.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of center
Noun
  • Josh Brolin's 2014 reveal as Thanos, donning the Infinity Gauntlet, set the direction for an entire saga years in advance.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The flames are approaching Bordeaux again after the wind changed direction at midday, prefect Sophie Brocas said.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • As one of the darkest spots in the lower 48, Grand Staircase-​Escalante is also a mecca for stargazers, with much of its acreage ranked as Bortle Class 1—​​meaning that on clear nights the Milky Way is bright enough to cast noticeable shadows and even appears to have three dimensions.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 25 June 2026
Definition of mecca
Noun
  • The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.
    — Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
  • Selfie videos can be used for login purposes, to verify your age for accessing certain account features, and to create an AI avatar.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • In today’s cultural economy, where archival fashion pieces, horology, and unique collections blur with investment strategy, the ability to maintain image and ownership while accessing capital quietly is increasingly prized for some.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of capital
Noun
  • Williams told the Observer that her primary focus was on restructuring the organization’s finances, clearing debt and improving operational health, rather than pursuing a long-term career with Opera Carolina.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • A number of reports said that Maddox, then 15, was the main focus of Pitt’s aggression on the flight.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Definition of focus
Noun
  • In El-Obeid, a strategic trade and aid hub that is home to more than half a million people, many now fear what comes from the sky.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • In Europe, Moscow launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine, while Kyiv ramped up its bombing campaign by targeting logistics hubs belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 July 2026
Definition of hub

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cynosure
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Cite this Entry

“Cynosure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynosure. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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