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 For more advice on how to stop fixating on your body image, listen to this episode of NPR's Life Kit. Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 That's worth sitting with because the entire public conversation about government AI is fixated on which model is smartest, fastest or cheapest this quarter. Nick Herbert, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The ear popping and discomfort caused by changing cabin pressure may be completely normal, but knowing that doesn’t necessarily stop you from fixating on it. Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Meyer makes space to laugh, look around, and fixate on the wrong object. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fixate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate
Verb
  • Margaret Keane’s big-eyed children gaze unabashedly at a girl sketched by Pablo Picasso, and cartoonist Rose O’Neill rubs elbows with Vincent van Gogh.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For example, some sculptures establish sight lines while gazing toward other sculptures—a bronze representation of the messenger god Mercury in the Carter Collection room stares beyond its space to the Bateman Mercury, ca.
    George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Bereaved mother Debra Robinson stared at the accused before bursting into tears in the courtroom.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Once there, staring at the devastation, there was no denying the reality of death.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Japanese 10-year yield rose 6 basis points on Tuesday to nudge above 3% for the first time since 1996 as investors eye fiscal pressures in the country’s upcoming budget.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The distributor’s event film Legend of the White Dragon is eyeing $529k from limited screenings at 596 theaters.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If Caballero continues struggling, the Yankees have to at least consider whether Volpe can fill a utility role.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • And considering power, price, and popularity, the PlayStation 5 (whether base, all-digital, or Pro) is the best option for most gamers.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Michigan fans looked dumbfounded and despondent at the Big House, watching what looked like the program’s first loss to a MAC team since 2008.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The pallid grayness of Mike Eley’s cinematography is probably supposed to mimic the finality of HIV/AIDS taking hold, but there’s no passion aesthetically to counterbalance what becomes absolute misery onscreen to watch.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Such an approach runs the risk of gawking at an unfamiliar people, their hegemonies and their ways of life, even with the best intentions.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, site offers visitors a chance to gawk at a vast array of the figurines as well as learn more about their history, and offers bobbleheads for sale.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In his analysis of the goalless draw at Hull City, where Villa registered one shot on target — one more than in the previous two matches — Emery observed his side lacked runners to stretch in behind.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The executive observed that data analysis shows a younger customer has approached the brand, in addition to its loyal cluster of longtime clients in the 40- to 55-year-old core bracket.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Facing inflation on multiple fronts, market expectations regarding the ECB, the Fed, and the Bank of England have diverged significantly.
    , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Despite all the resources dedicated to combat terror, the question regarding the likelihood of another 9/11 style attack, just like Pachtman vividly remembers 25 years ago, remains.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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