FIXATING Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

fixating

verb

present participle of fixate

as in staring

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 fixating The framework pushes families to think about how digital experiences fit into a teen’s overall well-being rather than fixating on a daily hour count. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 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 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 But fixating on carbon in this way carries an unintended consequence. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 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 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 Robbins recommends watching trends over weeks and months rather than fixating on last night’s number. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 This move also reveals more about billionaire philanthropy than only fixating on the tax issue. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixating

Verb

Jovovich captioned the photo, a close-up of her lookalike teenager staring into the camera.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
Instead of staring directly at the galaxy, look slightly beside it.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of staring

Verb

Related The Instagram gallery opens with a photo of Grande embracing Alvarez and gazing into his eyes amid lush greenery.

— Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026
No, the only way to truly appreciate The Gilded Age is to adopt the same perspective that Oscar and Enid prefer when gazing upon the rest of New York society.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of gazing

Verb

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
On most days the Jewel House in the Tower of London is packed with tourists gawking at the fabled British Crown Jewels.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of gawking

Verb

Peeking around tall patches of grass and peering through binoculars at Lake Michigan, Tarik Shahzad, a birder from the Norwood Park neighborhood, called Thursday’s cold, wet conditions ideal for spotting birds late in the year.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
As most of the guys surrounded the TV, readying for kickoff, Zorich walked the perimeter, thumbs tucked into the front of his jeans, peering intensely at the memorabilia hanging on the walls.

— Dana ONeil, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of peering

Verb

Trump, reportedly watching returns from the White House, criticized Fox News coverage before most polls had closed.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Apparently, a man – and woman – gotta check election results while waiting and watching the three Jonases on stage.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of watching

Verb

Ukraine still controls key stronghold cities in the Donbas and has refused to give up this land, arguing Putin may be eyeing not just a public relations success but a powerful launchpad for future invasion attempts.

— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
There had been buzz for months that L’Occitane had been eyeing a sale of Elemis.

— Footwear News, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of eyeing

Verb

An astronomer observing Earth from another star system might therefore consider the combination a possible sign of life.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
There is a thin line between observing the process and progress and micromanaging employees in it.

— Adithyan RK, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of observing

Verb

Warren, in the midst of a breakout year, and backfield mate Rico Dowdle ran through gaping holes as the Steelers ran for 200 yards, including 160 in the first half, the most by any team in the opening half this season.

— CBS News, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2026
There, in these gaping anaerobic middens, their bones mummify.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026