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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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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
Some ETFs focus on sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology or oil and gas. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Later, in retirement, Collins focused on giving back through teaching, serving on corporate and nonprofit boards, and philanthropy. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
For Pruitt, the what’s next will be a focus on comfort, a shoe that lightweight and breathable, and with some performance aspects in the sneaker. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms tried to make President Donald Trump the focus of one of the debate’s sharpest clashes. — AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
  • But the latest release — though unlikely to materially affect the results of the upcoming election — once again concentrates attention on Tinubu’s time in the US.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Just as a still concentrates a large batch of weak liquid into a smaller batch of strong stuff, AI distillation condenses a big model into a smaller one that, ideally, acts like the original.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The exchange came as Kyiv pressed its campaign against Russian infrastructure, with a drone attack on Sunday shutting down a data center in the city of Vladimir, east of Moscow, run by technology giant Yandex.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Mentions of data centers have, predictably, shot up across all three networks in recent months as political backlash against AI swells and the data centers themselves have become a salient issue ahead of the midterms.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some cities use a grid that's aligned not with the compass but with local geography, like waterways or mountains.
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Think vintage navy portholes, ship compasses, and aircraft fuselage.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Numerous international versions of the survival competition format can be filmed at the hub, which is based in the wilderness of Lake Kenyir replete with jaguars and pythons.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Over the years, the store has evolved into an informal community hub where customers gather, exchange news and help one another navigate life in Colorado.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Disappointingly, her screenplay proceeds to unfold in a procession of frustrating get-outs and compromises, repeatedly choosing the least interesting or challenging direction to take this would-be throuple.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Also back here is a dual-pattern power supply mount with two captive screws that serve one of the two supported mounting directions.
    — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In 2027 the film festival also joins Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival in celebrating eight decades of creativity and bringing audiences together in the Scottish capital.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As one of the principal gateways into the Saudi capital and a foundation stone of the entire Vision 2030 project, the Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport directly threaten the Kingdom’s strategy.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Aside from being part of the salon decor, the sculpture’s purpose, Ingram explained, is to introduce Vero’s service to his clientele.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rubin’s face followed a skin-first technique beloved by the wider beauty mecca for the last few years.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Named for the massive cliffs that stretch across 32 miles of shoreline, Calvert Cliffs is also a mecca for fossil hunters.
    — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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