FIXATE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

fixate

verb

Definition of fixate

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 the past couple of months, the Editorial Board and a veritable horde of guest columnists have been fixated on the mayor and his stance on Israel. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026 Lewis Carroll’s fairy tale would serve as a psychological refuge and childhood obsession for Cathy as a young girl, fixating on the idea of drinking a potion to shrink so that no one can see her or reach her. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 While national attention has fixated on the fight for control of Congress, governorships will be important heading into a wide open presidential election in 2028. — Ruth Igielnik, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Cancer Nostalgia for former flames or fixating on someone else’s expectations can keep you from genuine romantic fulfillment. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fixate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate

Verb

Scoring the best view For optimal sky-gazing, Petro suggested finding a place free of obstruction from trees or buildings, such as a large field.

— Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
The fact that Drew still gazed upon my more than half-a-century-old, decidedly not-hot physique with love and desire was a marvel and a gift.

— Diana Daniele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of gaze

Verb

Nakira’s mug shot showed a young Black woman with dark hair gathered at the nape of her neck, green eyes staring intently into the camera.

— Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
The Royals were out of the AL Central race by August and staring at another losing season.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stare

Verb

Alzarooni is also eyeing eventual support from potential distributors, broadcasters, streaming platforms and industry mentors as her search to secure financing continues.

— Essie Assibu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
Three-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II was a full participant Wednesday and is eyeing a return to the lineup after a three-game absence.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of eye

Verb

Marketed under the brand name Keytruda, pembrolizumab is considered to be something of a wonder drug in its own right, with just 30% of patients relapsing in the first two years of treatment.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Operators must consider what happens when that material eventually returns to Earth.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of consider

Verb

Baking with a friend, decorating with the kids or watching a favorite holiday movie can layer new memories onto familiar traditions without costing much.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Now watching the countdown to the livestream on a smartphone, an elevator was taken to the Pulitzer office on the seventh floor, but it was locked.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of watch

Verb

Pull some treats from the open coffin at Scotto Funeral Home, on the corner of Court Street and 2nd Place, then head to President near Hoyt to gawk at bloodstained windows and mutilated dolls.

— Fiorella Valdesolo, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026
The film opens with Tenzing as a boy, gawking at Mount Everest, which looms across the valley like Godzilla.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of gawk

Verb

Still, the Justice Department is planning its largest-ever election monitoring effort, with about 1,000 department staff expected to observe voting and ensure federal laws are being followed, said spokesperson Kiersten Pels.

— STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Total water levels this week in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties could reach more than 8 feet above the baseline, which is defined as the average daily lowest water level observed between 1983 and 2001.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of observe

Verb

Police received a call regarding a potential assault with a deadly weapon, according to LAPD spokesperson Officer Charles Miller.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Virginia Solicitor General Tillman Breckenridge faced the sharpest questions from the panel regarding the mask ban.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of regard

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fixable

fixate

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Style

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of fixate

verb

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