focus 1 of 2

verb

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

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focus

2 of 2

noun

ˈfō-kəs How to pronounce focus (audio)
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. 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 choice certainly stuck out, as every other couple went with a story focused on grief, personal identity, or overcoming adversity. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 The research focuses on four structural forces—capability, adoption, substitution, and recomposition—and uses them to map how AI could alter competitive dynamics, professional norms, market structure, and systemic risk. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 July 2026
Noun
The discounts began as triage in the spring, when occupancy levels sank to 16% and local residents (rather than tourists) became the focus. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 23 July 2026 Adjusting the review-prep workflow to four short prompts in the HR system put the focus back on conversation. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
  1. concentrate
  2. center
  3. compass
  4. hub
  5. direction
  6. capital
  7. purpose
  8. mecca
Verb
  • Infleqtion’s decision to concentrate resources there—combined with workforce expansion ahead of schedule—suggests confidence that the ecosystem can support long-term scaling.
    — Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The move came after Black Democrats aligned with white Republican legislators to convince a federal court to create three congressional districts to concentrate Black voting power, allowing for the state’s first Black members of Congress since 1876.
    — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of concentrate
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
Definition of center
Noun
  • 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
  • The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles).
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
Definition of compass
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
Definition of hub
Noun
  • Josh Brolin's 2014 reveal as Thanos, donning the Infinity Gauntlet, set the direction for an entire saga years in advance.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • The flames are approaching Bordeaux again after the wind changed direction at midday, prefect Sophie Brocas said.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of direction
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
Definition of capital
Noun
  • The alleged purpose of the bill is to improve the retention of police and firefighters, but evidence shows there isn’t a retention crisis among these employees.
    — Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
  • Selfie videos can be used for login purposes, to verify your age for accessing certain account features, and to create an AI avatar.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

foci
focus
focused
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Cite this Entry

“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on focus

Nglish: Translation of focus for Spanish Speakers

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