focus 1 of 2

Definition of focusnext
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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of focus
Verb
The first stage focuses on meeting school community members, the second involves building an academics strategy, the third revolves around operations and finance and the final stage brings those steps together. Austin Horn july 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 That being said, neither of their statements seemed as strongly worded as UEFA’s and focused on not being consulted rather than the substance of the proposal. Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
Noun
In the 1990s, Cárdenas’s focus on institution building came into full force. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026 There is an almost performative focus on process over results. Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
  • On July 28, Mark Zuckerberg published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing that superintelligence should be distributed as widely as possible and that concentrating it in a handful of institutions is the greatest risk AI poses to humanity.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • According to researchers, because the gripping force is spread across a large contact area rather than concentrated at rigid fingertips, fragile objects are less likely to be damaged.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Masterson, O’Hara, Rogers and Schmidt have all raised concerns about or opposed data-center incentives.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Just over a year after getting a 30-day license suspension, a Sunny Isles Beach plastic surgery center got a permanent license revocation from the Florida Department of Health this month.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • How does Glimpact serve as a regulatory compass for global brands trying to bulletproof their environmental communication against greenwashing claims?
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • For now, the lookout volunteers use a map, compass and familiarity with landmarks to pinpoint the location for initial attack crews.
    Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • San Diego International Comic-Con, also known as Comic-Con, is known as the central hub for all things Fandom.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • That rich history, cultivated over centuries of acting as a port and hub of cultural exchange, is visible throughout the city, much of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • The Azure DevOps case makes the same point from the other direction.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • When the containers opened, the butterflies scattered in every direction.
    Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.
    Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • In today’s cultural economy, where archival fashion pieces, horology, and unique collections blur with investment strategy, the ability to maintain image and ownership while accessing capital quietly is increasingly prized for some.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • One of the purposes of Ameri’kana is to gather with other people, meet new neighbors and participate in the arts with others.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • The popular theatre was a cultural mecca that drew thousands to its operas, ballets and other public events, and hosted legendary greats including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The long-standing problem is that Skid Row is both a social service center and a mecca of drugs and other vices, with traps on every block.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on focus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!