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
Junior 140-pounder Jackie Martinez, one of her teammates, described Garbacz as unselfish and giving and never one to gloat or fixate on herself.
—
Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
He’s haunted by the specter of aging — apparent in Styles’s fixating on wellness in interviews and roasting his own hairline on Brittany Broski’s Royal Court — and has hinted at private anguish over the death of One Direction’s Liam Payne.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
And the case of the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy, has been one of the things the collective internet has fixated on for the last month or so.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2026
The district is deeply working class, Wild says, but to fixate on that is too narrow.
—Julia Terruso, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fixate
Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
He’s haunted by the specter of aging — apparent in Styles’s fixating on wellness in interviews and roasting his own hairline on Brittany Broski’s Royal Court — and has hinted at private anguish over the death of One Direction’s Liam Payne.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
And the case of the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy, has been one of the things the collective internet has fixated on for the last month or so.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2026
The district is deeply working class, Wild says, but to fixate on that is too narrow.
—Julia Terruso, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fixate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate
Verb
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Frenza whispers to herself, gazing at her reflection in the mirror with the bottle in her hand, raising a toast to her own intelligence and ironic wit, which are, in her opinion, her most powerful protections against the world.—
Agnieszka Szpila,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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On a recent Monday afternoon in a small Mexican diner, not far from the 710 Freeway in East Los Angeles, Gricel Gonzalez, 57, gazed out the window at the avenue.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For anyone who has ever stared at a mysterious door, hatch, or panel in their home and wondered what was on the other side, Bareilles’ video serves as both entertainment and a cautionary tale.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2026
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For anyone who has ever looked into their dog’s eyes and sensed a deeper understanding staring back, Chaser’s story is powerful validation.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But Republicans are eyeing the inclusion of elements of the legislation into reconciliation as a means of getting it across the finish line instead.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
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Sources said the pair were eager to reteam following their success with that title and found the 13 Going on 30 reboot to be the perfect opportunity, eyeing Lerman as Bader’s romantic counterpart from the jump.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a 2015 email, when Mead Johnson was considering supplying some of its formula to a researcher for a study, a company neonatologist expressed concern that the results could be spun to make the preemie product look unsafe.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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At twenty-five cents a pack, they were considered a medium-status brand, still a splurge for most people in China.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But her green eyes are still intense as always, watching me.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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Marlins fans who show up at games to watch Sherman’s bargain-bin product are some of the best, most loyal (and most patient) fans in South Florida.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The batting cages, as both workplace and fan engagement tool, are located near that front entrance to the stadium and, with a door that rolls up much like your garage door might, are open for fans to gawk while players are getting their pre-game work in.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
16 Mar. 2026
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What to see today Walk or drive to gawk at the 20th-century gems like the Miller House and Garden, which blends history, nature and modern aesthetics.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Researchers have also observed promising improvements in metabolic markers and better preservation of lean muscle mass, says Burns.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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The country observed three days of national mourning for one of the worst air disasters recorded in recent memory.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When Paxton’s office has taken public action regarding crisis pregnancy centers, it’s largely been to defend centers — such as with a 2023 lawsuit against Yelp for adding disclaimers on the centers’ listings.—
Emily Brindley
Health Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
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This helps establish who is regarded as the foundation by the front office and coaches.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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