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
Relevance
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
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of focus
Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Ralph represents the new kind of leadership our city needs — principled, independent, and focused on results.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
To address this gap, the authors advocate for a substantial increase in fruit and vegetable production, with a focus on nutrient-dense produce such as berries, leafy greens and carrots.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
So that really is the appearance of AI Natalie [which is] her subconscious not having any other way to put out this grief or to confront these emotions despite Riri [trying] to shut that part of her brain off and focus on other [things].
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Ralph represents the new kind of leadership our city needs — principled, independent, and focused on results.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Noun
New operating models require new roles, new mindsets, and a steadfast focus on relationships and communication with teams and partners about the changes ahead.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
To address this gap, the authors advocate for a substantial increase in fruit and vegetable production, with a focus on nutrient-dense produce such as berries, leafy greens and carrots.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
Intoxicating cannabinoids typically refer to compounds concentrated from hemp that cause marijuana-like effects and are unregulated in Arizona.—
Ray Stern,
AZCentral.com,
6 July 2025
-
As the conditioner that brought his homeland their first two Breeders’ Cup championships (2021 Filly and Mare Turf, Loves Only You 2021 Distaff Marche Lorraine), the Tokyo native will concentrate on bringing the best Forever Young to Del Mar on November 1.—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Dressmaker and activist Mary Dickerson (top row, center) inspires a character in HBO's The Gilded Age.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
8 July 2025
-
At the center of the bodice of her look was a keyhole cutout — a signature motif featured throughout several Schiaparelli designs dating back to the 1930s.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
This clarity becomes your compass for navigating complexity and creating meaningful, lasting impact.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
To use her inner compass, instead of relying on Google Maps to navigate.—
JJ Rosen,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Future outlook: The development aims to create a mixed-use, mixed-income community by putting housing near employment hubs and public transportation.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
10 July 2025
-
That lets devices like bulbs, remotes and motion sensors pair with each other directly, with no hub or app needed.—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Moreover, some leadership teams today have heightened security concerns, in addition to the challenge of acting as the face and key driver of an organization’s strategic direction.—
Michele Dobnikar,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Art direction is led by Pawas Sawatchaiyamet (Monkey Man) and visual effects is headed by Lee Stringer (Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, Star Wars: Clone Wars).—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
As Russian troops slowly clawed back most of Kursk, attacks on Sumy – and its regional capital, Sumy city – increased.—
Joanna Kakissis,
NPR,
11 July 2025
-
Almost all states saw decreases, with Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin as well as the capital Washington, D.C. reporting declines of 35 percent or more.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
-
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
No place on earth draws more fanatics than Penang, the world’s mecca for durian lovers.—
Tom Downey,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 June 2025
-
Indianapolis has become a mecca for those activities as the home of the Indy 500 and the Pacers (who came up just short of winning the NBA crown this year).—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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