Thesaurus results for FOCUS

focus 1 of 2

verb

Definition of focus

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

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focus

2 of 2

noun

ˈfō-kəs

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

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. 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

Instead, focus on physical barriers and habitat modification. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026 Kramer will kick off this session with a keynote focused on his vision for the Academy as a global film organization and the future of the Oscars. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

For many of those involved in the project, bears aren’t the only focus of their research interests. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 The senior colleague was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, but Leo claimed that the investigation was flawed because of its focus on his mental illness. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for focus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus

Verb

Forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, losing a word mid-sentence and feeling mentally slower are all common complaints during the menopause transition.

— Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
Dairy products including milk, cream, whey and milk protein concentrates.

— Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of concentrate

Noun

Balancing functionality with the brand’s house codes, the bag features two spacious compartments and a zippered one in the center.

— Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Sunday marked the grand opening of the center's Community Baby Closet, which offers resources such as diapers, wipes, newborn clothing, baby gear and postpartum supplies.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of center

Noun

One direction changes with the prevailing winds instead of being anchored by an internal compass.

— Catherine Bell, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The accurate and robust biometric sensors include an optical heart rate sensor, electrical heart sensor for ECG, altimeter, ambient light sensor, a compass, a gyroscope, an underwater depth gauge, and more.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of compass

Noun

The targets weren't oil refineries, maritime hubs or arms plants hit by other Ukrainian strikes, but warehouses that bring the convenience of online shopping across the breadth of Russia.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
For the first time in almost a month, a large tanker last week began loading crude at the western terminal of Iran’s main export hub Kharg Island, Windward said.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hub

Noun

Amid Russia's latest barrage, at least one drone was reported as having crossed into NATO airspace in Romania, from the direction of Moldova.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Ford took one final adventure as the legendary character under the direction of James Mangold with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of direction

Noun

Iran’s economy was in a poor state before the war too, with dire economic conditions a key driving factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations which kicked off in the Iranian capital Tehran in 2025.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
As the world has become less secure, Lagarde said on Wednesday, capital flows into Europe have been put at risk.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of capital

Noun

But, rather than demolish the historic bridge, it was preserved and given a new purpose.

— Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
The purpose of the RIMPAC demonstration was to showcase a new artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) sonar processing system called SensorMAX.

— David Szondy August 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of purpose

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

Definition of mecca

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foci

focus

focused

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Style

“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of focus

verb

noun

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