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

Redick focuses fully on each one at a time. —Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Porter focused on cutting bureaucracy, calling for a single statewide development permit to streamline approvals and reduce delays. —Noe Padilla, USA Today, 9 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