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
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Recent Examples of focus
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Yet focusing solely on these strategic successes risks overlooking a more significant transformation occurring much closer to the front.
—
Hunter Lacroix,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2026
Victoria Eastwood,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
In his single-minded focus on mounting a cage fight on a single day, the president has missed significant opportunities.
—
Cullen Murphy,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
On the South Korean side, coach Hong Myung-bo avoided making excuses and focused his analysis on the play that decided the match.
—
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Yet focusing solely on these strategic successes risks overlooking a more significant transformation occurring much closer to the front.
—
Hunter Lacroix,
Baltimore Sun,
20 June 2026
Noun
Iran says its main focus in these talks is the situation in Lebanon.
—
Victoria Eastwood,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
In his single-minded focus on mounting a cage fight on a single day, the president has missed significant opportunities.
—
Cullen Murphy,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
These disparities suggest that the medical and social changes leading to reduced cancer mortality were concentrated in more metropolitan regions.
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These systems were designed to take over repetitive, high-volume moderation tasks including flagging impersonation accounts, scam attempts, and harmful content, while human reviewers were concentrated on complex decisions and formal appeals.
Noun
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The story begins with the historic building designed by Edward Durrell Stone in the 1960s as the World Trade Center, with a cruciform plan that nodded to the four corners of the compass and New Orleans’ place as a center of international commerce.
-
All that was missing from the game was a rusty shiv in the center circle.
Noun
-
Abby would ask him to check the compass or check the map, or check both.
-
Use a geometry compass or a round object, like a dinner plate, to draw a smooth arch connecting these two lines.
Noun
-
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
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If a robot starts patrolling your local garage, mall, park or transit hub, do not get distracted by the cool tech factor.
Noun
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Golf Road between Plum Grove and Commons Drive is closed in both directions as of Saturday afternoon.
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That’s why the unveiling of a M Concept car that defines the direction of the next generation of BMW’s performance division is big news in the car world.
Noun
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Images of the Venezuelan capital taken late yesterday show panic and destruction from the impact of twin earthquakes.
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Opponents argue agencies could avoid some of the service cuts officials have warned about by pausing capital improvement projects, including extensions.
Noun
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Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
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Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
Noun
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The fest is becoming a beacon for those who still pine for former jam meccas like Gathering of the Vibes, Wakarusa, Rothbury, and 10,000 Lakes.
-
This was true throughout the neighborhood, which established itself this month as a secondary mecca for Knicks fans.
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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