fixate

Definition of fixatenext
as in to gaze
to look at or think about something constantly; to give all of your attention to something
usually + on or upon
The cat was fixated on a small hole in the wall. Why do journalists fixate on scandals?

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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 fixate Trump began fixating on beef prices last fall, proposing in October 2025 to increase Argentine beef imports, drawing pushback from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Republican senators from cattle states. Alicia Park, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 For weeks, the media has been fixated on whether a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, which killed three people, could lead to the next pandemic. Leana S. Wen, Washington Post, 18 May 2026 Over the course of Obsession's 108-minute runtime, Nikki transforms into an self-destructive, possessive, and dangerously violent shadow of her former self as Bear's spell forces her to fixate solely on her unnatural devotion to him—no matter the cost. Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 May 2026 Rather than fixating on what was lost or what could come next, Park made a conscious decision to focus on what was in front of her. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fixate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate
Verb
  • Fans move around the stands via a continuous concrete walkway, gazing up at the greenhouses, which are closed during the tournament.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 May 2026
  • The star, who was previously linked to Zach Braff, smiled at the camera while a smitten Cole gazed at her.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • In another Amsterdam photo, a pair of identical world globes, recalling Ghirri’s passion for cartography and atlases, rest on matching supports to conjure that oldest of surrealist tropes, a pair of staring eyes.
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Sure, there are probably supermodels, sports stars, and famous actors in your midst (don’t stare).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Williams immediately reacted from the Thunder side, eyeing Wembanyama after the contact.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • Trump’s past reports have been criticized for offering scant detail and reporting statistics that some medical experts eyed with skepticism.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • The group considers how skilled members of Congress are at moving their agenda items forward.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • Good ex-etiquette means considering how your decisions impact your co-parenting structure, not just your romantic relationship.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • And Wrobleski nodded, as if in acceptance, before turning to watch the ball fly over the wall in center field for a solo homer.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • As Toomey looked for a seat to watch the race that day at Balboa Stadium, he was spotted by his old cross-country coach at Palo Alto High School, Forrest Jamieson.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The Luce’s quiet-luxury design will also please those browsing Ferrari’s new fashion stores to make a purchase and not just gawk at the prices.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • This seemingly reflexive action of whipping out their phones while gawking and filming isn’t a novel occurrence.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Then be sure to read our picks of the best telescopes and binoculars for exploring the night sky, along with our beginner's guide to observing the moon!
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Lisabeth Pérez Castle, the city’s independent monitor, said in a statement that the vague new approach to discipline does not clearly explain how safety officials will comply with city laws regarding the monitor’s oversight.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
  • Kardashian’s ex, Tristan Thompson, sat down for an hour-long interview on her Khloé in Wonderland podcast to leave no stone unturned regarding their former relationship and current co-parenting partnership.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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