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
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
The $400 million overhaul was primarily focused on security measures, so the plane will retain most of its luxurious interior.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2026
In a note to clients Friday, analysts at Morgan Stanley said the trajectory of Arm's operating expenses in its fiscal 2027 is a focus for investors.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet –– which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, healthy fish and extra-virgin olive oil, with smaller portions of eggs, dairy and poultry –– has been linked to significant increases in lifespan.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
The $400 million overhaul was primarily focused on security measures, so the plane will retain most of its luxurious interior.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
Noun
Considering the support Moore expressed for open primaries during his interview with Maher, an alternative focus could have been the election reform bill introduced by Schmidt and Qi.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 3 May 2026
In a note to clients Friday, analysts at Morgan Stanley said the trajectory of Arm's operating expenses in its fiscal 2027 is a focus for investors.
—Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
In all, six of the seven most dangerous states are concentrated in the South and Mountain-West regions.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The workers getting squeezed today are concentrated in a particular kind of role, at a particular kind of company, in a particular geography.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Downstairs, meanwhile, the finished basement could become a rec room, billiards room, or fitness center, with a large brick fireplace heating up the space.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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At the center are three siblings bound by the legacy their mother built and the unfinished business their father left behind.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Values act as both a compass and a driving force, pointing you toward the right goals and motivating you to pursue them.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Alignment lasers and the ship’s gyro-compass ensured the rotors were plumb and correctly oriented.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The period was also marked by rapid economic growth, solidifying the city’s reputation as a financial hub and a consumer’s paradise.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
Around Penn Station, a key hub for Long Island, New York City and New Jersey travelers, congestion is expected to worsen.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The global war concluded inconclusively, with territory changing hands in many directions.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Adjust the plan, and let that flexibility keep everything working without losing your own direction or sense of independence in the process.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The insurgents, who operate at ease, crossing borders and dominating much of the countryside in Mali and Burkina Faso, now feel emboldened to target capital cities.—
Ulf Laessing,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
And the cost for the pool’s ongoing repairs have delayed the Park District’s ability to do many other capital projects in the parks.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Justice Brett Kavanaugh emphasized that a major purpose of the federal law is to provide uniformity.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Here, sheep can’t solve crimes until human incompetence forces them to step into the breach; though pushed for the purposes of fantasy, the limits of animal intelligence are a poignant factor in the tale.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Houston is a mecca for high-calorie delicious meals.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Mack Lewis Gym, which is a huge boxing mecca.—
Kaicey Baylor,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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