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
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
The community also signed cooperation agreements with KPS, the Institute of Language Sciences of Shanghai International Studies University, AltStory, and Kuaizi, with the partnerships focused on data sets, linguistic corpus building, and research into AI agents.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 June 2026
Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Exercise improves mental health by triggering mood-boosting brain chemicals, easing tension, improving sleep and sharpening focus, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
The team focused on overcoming a key limitation of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in zinc-air batteries.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
The community also signed cooperation agreements with KPS, the Institute of Language Sciences of Shanghai International Studies University, AltStory, and Kuaizi, with the partnerships focused on data sets, linguistic corpus building, and research into AI agents.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 June 2026
Noun
Long stretches of focus, poor lighting and awkward viewing distances all play a role.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Exercise improves mental health by triggering mood-boosting brain chemicals, easing tension, improving sleep and sharpening focus, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
The California acreage is concentrated in Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Sonoma County, Lake County and the Central Coast.—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
-
The only significant difference is that the Rays have concentrated on a smaller group of players in terms of meetings (including with family and personal coaches), attending games and workouts, and doing deep analytical dives.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Noun
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The 88 apartments in the Metropolitan are 91% rented, according to a listing for the property by the Zacuto Group, which also touts its roof deck with pool, fitness center and barbecue grills.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks and Stevie Wonder were a few big names at the Obama center opening ceremony.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Use a geometry compass or a round object, like a dinner plate, to draw a smooth arch connecting these two lines.—
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
-
Having trekked the territory with his trusty surveyor’s compass, and in the absence of anyone else rash enough to do it, Washington volunteers to deliver an ultimatum to the encroaching French forces.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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Oil stockpiles at the critical oil hub of Cushing, Oklahoma, have plunged to the bare minimum of what is needed to operate.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Noun
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One of the main roads leading to the Butler Memorial Airport was closed in both directions on Sunday afternoon as authorities responded to the disaster, according to officials.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
-
Little signs of humanity appeared in every direction, quietly defusing what could have become a disaster instigated by fear.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The president's team also repaired fountains throughout the city, tore down the White House's East Wing to make way for a ballroom, attempted to close the Kennedy Center for renovations, and drew up plans for a gigantic triumphal arch across the river from the capital in Virginia.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Orbán was in the Belgian capital to take part in a Thursday summit of his Patriots for Europe party group, a collection of far-right parties from across the bloc that forms the third-largest caucus in the European Parliament.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The Supreme Court decided in 2014 that inherited IRAs do not qualify as retirement funds for purposes of federal bankruptcy protection, as beneficiaries cannot make new contributions and are often required to take distributions from the account.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
That purpose might come from family, work, creativity, advocacy, faith or friendships.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
This was true throughout the neighborhood, which established itself this month as a secondary mecca for Knicks fans.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
Connecticut has been a mecca for dance ever since Martha Graham created the American Dance Festival at Connecticut College in 1948.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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