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
Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
In Northwest Indiana, Edmonson said the Nature Conservancy is focused on birds that have lost more than half of their populations in the past 50 years.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
October 23 – November 21 Results build as focus meets steady effort.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
Another claim focuses on economic development incentives.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
In Northwest Indiana, Edmonson said the Nature Conservancy is focused on birds that have lost more than half of their populations in the past 50 years.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
Most Buddhist sects acknowledge the spiritual significance of relics even if some teachers have tried to shift the focus to Buddha's teachings that emphasize mindfulness and kindness.
—ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
October 23 – November 21 Results build as focus meets steady effort.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
Russell let the rest of Taylor-Joy's long hair fall in loose, barely there waves, with most of the curl concentrated just at the ends for movement and swish factor.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The geyser has an acidic chemistry, but the acid is not concentrated, according to the USGS, which compared its water to having a similar acidity to orange juice or vinegar.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Vote counting would begin immediately after the ballot boxes are collected and transported to counting centers across the Himalayan nation, which could be as early as Thursday night.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Astronomers captured the most detailed image yet of our galaxy’s center.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 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
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The just-for-Prime members hub is a treasure trove of exclusive markdowns that other shoppers can’t access.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But as bombardment by the United States and Israel fell from the air for a second day Sunday, many expressed fear and uncertainty over what direction Iran will take.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Every choice today impacts our overall life direction.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Shah, 35, former mayor of the capital city of Kathmandu, has dominated the race to become Nepal’s PM during the campaign, gaining popularity across the country.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Sri Lanka said more than 200 sailors aboard another Iranian warship near its coast were being escorted to a naval base outside the capital, Colombo.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Natanz facility was built for uranium enrichment purposes.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The purpose is to foster humility, reduce a person’s anxiety by releasing their need for control and provide an external source of strength for long-term recovery.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Over the decades, the city has staged World Cup matches and has since become an international soccer mecca.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Next door at the Locust, James Cook discusses Cafe des Artistes, Ocean Drive’s newest mecca for the young and stylish.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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