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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Recent Examples of fixate
Perhaps, then, fixating on the ground rules, like Nelson did, isn’t the right approach.
—
Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
The national debate on healthcare costs often fixates on single solutions.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
Worrying about chip speed is like fixating on a car’s horsepower; most people will never even come close to needing maximum power or speed.
—Larry Magid, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Tubi Made 11 years before Life and Death, Broomfield’s first documentary on Aileen Wuornos captures the media circus surrounding America’s most famous female serial killer — including the bizarre story of a religious fanatic who fixated on and even attempted to adopt her.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fixate
Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
The national debate on healthcare costs often fixates on single solutions.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
Worrying about chip speed is like fixating on a car’s horsepower; most people will never even come close to needing maximum power or speed.
—Larry Magid, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Tubi Made 11 years before Life and Death, Broomfield’s first documentary on Aileen Wuornos captures the media circus surrounding America’s most famous female serial killer — including the bizarre story of a religious fanatic who fixated on and even attempted to adopt her.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fixate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate
Verb
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Other communities, such as Malibu, have developed ordinances to reduce glare and artificial light, as has Joshua Tree National Park, a star-gazing haven that is designated an International Dark Sky Park.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Or, if you'd rather be cocooned in greenery than gazing at the Pacific, one of the two treehouse-style suites nestled in the property's garden is a dreamy alternative.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
In the fourth quarter with the game on the line, Blair called a loose-ball foul on the Cavs and Atkinson hated the call, but rather than scream or dart toward the official, Atkinson just sort of stood near his bench, staring at Blair and shaking his head.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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Some sit pensively, staring into the distance—one resembles Rodin's The Thinker, his chin gently resting on his hand.—
Mary Holland,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The Weiss family, which founded Mel’s Drive-In diner in 1947, had been eyeing the property for years and signed a lease in 2016.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Another director is being sought for this film, which is eying an early 2027 start of shooting date.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The hearts and minds of Braves players were on Bobby Cox on a sunny evening at Dodger Stadium before the middle game of a three-game series against the Dodgers — a game that meant very little, considering the news of the day.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
10 May 2026
-
Banking groups are floating last-minute changes to a compromise on stablecoin yield as a key Senate panel begins considering a landmark digital asset bill.—
Bloomberg,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
For a closer look, ask the concierge to arrange a whale-watching boat ride.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
As the performers take the stage for the glitzy grand final on Saturday, many watching will hope the controversy of the run-up is left well behind.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Verb
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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
-
There are flashy dunks or goals to gawk at.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Gastonia officials said existing city staff working throughout the community have been assigned to observe and report potential violations while also responding to complaints from residents.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
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Collectors use a special ant farm called a formicarium, essentially a large glass or clear plastic box, to house and observe ants.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Local election officials across Missouri, including those in Clay and Platte counties, received official notice Thursday afternoon to move forward with the state’s new, gerrymandered congressional map despite ongoing questions regarding a referendum petition against it.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
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Under Bovo’s administration, the department also underwent a transition after the ublic Works director at the time, Armando Vidal—widely regarded as a de facto city manager and one of the most influential figures in the administration—retired in 2023.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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