Thesaurus results for FOCUS

focus 1 of 2

verb

Definition of focus

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

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focus

2 of 2

noun

ˈfō-kəs

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

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of focus

Verb

Its work will focus on ensuring the aircraft’s control architecture delivers safe and predictable performance despite operating at a scale unlike existing cargo aircraft. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026 While birdwatching typically refers to casually observing birds, birding is a more intentional and accessible hobby focused on identifying species and learning about their behavior. — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

Noun

In Appalachia, a regional style of song emerged that transformed the narrative focus of British ballads into shorter lyric folk songs suitable for presentation on commercial recordings. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Mining will serve as the partnership’s initial focus before expanding into other industrial applications. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for focus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus

Verb

Policymakers have concentrated on financing gaps, infrastructure deficits, technology access, institutional reform and economic resources.

— Ekramy El Zaghat, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Michelle Pfeiffer’s return to series television after years of concentrating on feature films and her family has paid off in a big way.

— Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of concentrate

Noun

Neto bobbled the ball for an error, though, and Contreras crushed Johnson’s next pitch for his 20th homer, a 446-foot shot to left-center that left his bat at 112 mph and gave Boston a 5-3 lead.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
The incident happened less than a week after another child was found dead inside a car at a Plantation early learning center last Monday.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of center

Noun

The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles).

— Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
But this entailed an 800-mile journey over open ocean with only an ancient compass and the stars to guide them.

— Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026

Definition of compass

Noun

Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
The 2026 Honor Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Boise State professor Phil Hartman, filled the air with festive tunes in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 July 2026

Definition of direction

Noun

The fund will give Arada a new source of capital to fund its ambitions at a time when lenders and investors have become more cautious about Gulf real estate in the wake of the Iran war.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
That capital is now tied down rather than being deployed for investment or expansion.

— Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of capital

Noun

There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

As one of the darkest spots in the lower 48, Grand Staircase-Escalante is also a mecca for stargazers, with much of its acreage ranked as Bortle Class 1—meaning that on clear nights the Milky Way is bright enough to cast noticeable shadows and even appears to have three dimensions.

— Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 25 June 2026
Catawba County, along with other parts of North Carolina, have become a mecca for data center construction as demand for AI tools has increased.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026

Definition of mecca

Browse Nearby Words

foci

focus

focused

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“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of focus

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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