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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Recent Examples of focus
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
The more Russell stops and focuses on Bale, the better the film is.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
The Market View With such a complicated diplomatic picture, the markets have ridden out a volatile period with their focus firmly on the energy sector.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
Whether your lawn goals include building natural diversity or maintaining a more traditional aesthetic, rethinking your approach to weeds and focusing on lawn health can save you time and money while protecting the environment.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
The more Russell stops and focuses on Bale, the better the film is.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
The focus will now be on trying to retain outside linebacker Odafe Oweh along with left guard Zion Johnson; both are free agents.
—Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
The Market View With such a complicated diplomatic picture, the markets have ridden out a volatile period with their focus firmly on the energy sector.
—Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
Carrizo Plain National Monument Wildflowers are continuing to bloom across the monument after early winter rains, with displays currently concentrated on the Temblor Range.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Lego can also be more nimble than its competitors during trade disputes or shipping disruptions because its factories are not all concentrated in one area.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The synagogue houses a preschool and family center, but officials said all 140 students and staff members were accounted for and safe, according to CNN and other media reports.—
Daniel Hunt
March 12,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Concerns center on Azizi’s ties to regional leaders and the scale of Nation Media’s operations, which employ hundreds of journalists across television, radio, and print in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.—
Vivianne Wandera,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When thoughts race, breathe slowly and trust your inner compass to organize your feelings before responding.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The mythic dimension may be missing here, but Holmes darkly captivates within the narrower compass of this energizing revival.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Located on the third floor, this is the social hub of the hotel, with a bar, space for live performances, and a colorful dining room filled with sofas and armchairs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Indonesia’s stocks and currency slid toward new bearish milestones as rising Middle East conflict dragged on regional assets, compounding concerns over the country’s investability and policy direction.—
Prima Wirayani,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
As a result, heat can move through the material almost three times more efficiently along the direction of the electric field, offering a powerful way to manage thermal energy in advanced technologies.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Intense airstrikes hit early Friday around Iran's capital, Tehran, as well as outlying areas.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
-
More traditional and slower-paced than Japan’s capital, Tokyo, or its neighbor, Osaka, the city is truly breathtaking in a unique way; rich historic districts, centuries-old temples, and zen gardens stand in for sleek skyscrapers and neon lights.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For anyone building a compact, efficient toolkit, the hori hori knife eliminates the need for several single-purpose gadgets.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The military’s purpose is national defense, not managing domestic dissent.—
Brielle Miller,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Each January, that stillness is interrupted by the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, transforming a quiet alpine town, Davos, into a mecca of power.—
Victoria Bousis,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2026
-
That’s why the famed Trout Lily Trail in the West Palisades section of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta has become a spring mecca for many of us wildflower lovers.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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