Synonyms of focus

focus 1 of 2

verb

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

• concentrate
• rivet
• center
• train
• fasten
• point
• aim
• home (in on)
• direct
• refocus
• set
• heed
• level
• zero (in on)
• attend
• mind
• nail
• fixate (on)
• hone in (on)
• obsess (over)

focus

2 of 2

noun

ˈfō-kəs 

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

• center
• hub
• capital
• mecca
• core
• heart
• seat
• base
• locus
• nucleus
• central
• nexus
• axis
• ground zero
• headquarters
• epicenter
• eye
• navel
• nerve center
• cynosure
• playground
• omphalos
• where it's at
• hot spot
• essence
• attraction
• hotbed
• magnet
• kernel
• hive
• nub
• pith
• happy hunting ground
• thick
• deep
• soul
• playland
• polestar
• lodestone
• quintessence

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

• compass
• direction
• purpose
• goal
• objective
• polestar
• aim
• cynosure
• intention
• lodestar
• criterion
• benchmark
• object
• standard
• target
• measure
• touchstone
• ambition
• grade
• aspiration
• yardstick
• dream
• par
• mark

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of focus

Verb

Instead of focusing only on wealth, nonprofits should identify individuals or organizations whose values, interests and past giving reflect a genuine connection to the mission. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Paula Schneider, the CEO of the Institute Advancing Women’s Health, a global nonprofit that focuses on improving women’s clinical care in midlife and after, noted that there is a lag in adopting new knowledge in clinical practice. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

Noun

That story began in the 1980s, when Film Fest Ghent adopted screen music as its calling card, a focus that led to the World Soundtrack Academy and Awards at the turn of the millennium. — Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

The current focus for all involved is likely ensuring that a young man with a promising future achieves as full of a recovery as possible. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026