Synonyms of focus

focus 1 of 2

verb

as in to concentrate

to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective

try to focus your attention on the task at hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

• concentrate
• rivet
• center
• train
• fasten
• point
• aim
• home (in on)
• direct
• refocus
• set
• heed
• level
• zero (in on)
• attend
• mind
• nail
• fixate (on)
• hone in (on)
• obsess (over)

focus

2 of 2

noun

ˈfō-kəs 

1

as in center

a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest

in the 19th century Paris was the focus of the art world

Synonyms & Similar Words

• center
• hub
• capital
• mecca
• core
• heart
• seat
• base
• locus
• nucleus
• central
• nexus
• axis
• ground zero
• headquarters
• epicenter
• eye
• navel
• nerve center
• cynosure
• playground
• omphalos
• where it's at
• hot spot
• essence
• attraction
• hotbed
• magnet
• kernel
• hive
• nub
• pith
• happy hunting ground
• thick
• deep
• soul
• playland
• polestar
• lodestone
• quintessence

2

as in compass

a guiding or motivating purpose or principle

a wildlife conservation organization that seems to have lost its focus

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compass
• direction
• purpose
• goal
• objective
• polestar
• aim
• cynosure
• intention
• lodestar
• criterion
• benchmark
• object
• standard
• target
• measure
• touchstone
• ambition
• grade
• aspiration
• yardstick
• dream
• par
• mark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of focus

Verb

The company identified Gen X as one of its biggest opportunities given its spending power and focus on luxury beauty. —Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2026

Douglas’ focus drops and an inability to win contested catches at a high enough rate can’t be overlooked, though. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026

Noun

Scientists fear the moves will collapse broad investment in fundamental research and talent development, replacing it with a narrow focus on AI, while potentially ceding American scientific dominance to global competitors. —National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026

For now, the focus will be on working through the rest of the legislative and financial checkpoints to be able to enter into the demolition that allows for the building of the new stadium. —Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026