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
-
But theater owner trade group Cinema United and the Writers Guild of America have warned that further consolidation would further concentrate the entertainment business, bringing more layoffs and theater closures.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The market was heavily concentrated.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Based on similar moral panics among Democratic politicos proposing bans on new data center development from Oregon to Georgia, the Left seems ready to unite to oppose AI because of its extraordinary potential for economic productivity.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Ryan said Thursday that the man had been wearing orange booties issued by the county holding center, rather than proper shoes suitable for winter weather.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And, Thao added, trust your internal compass.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Imagination becomes your compass when Venus aligns with Jupiter.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
22 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
-
Kim capped the meetings with a nighttime military parade in the capital, sharing center stage with his increasingly prominent daughter -- believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and about 13.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Emergency crews responded in five other regions, as well as in the capital.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 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
-
Hollywood has struggled to return to its former status as a production mecca after the COVID-19 pandemic and 2023’s dual strikes.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
At Sunin Plaza, the do-it-yourself PC mecca in Seoul, the usual weekday buzz has evaporated.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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