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
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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
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of focus
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
The focus is on af Klimt’s engagement with the natural world and exploration of spirituality in nature, juxtaposing detailed renderings of the Swedish flora that surrounded her with enigmatic abstract diagrams.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Like photography, science requires examining an ecosystem through different lenses, focusing on different details, particularly as conditions shift.
—Avery Schuyler Nunn, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Noun
She was appointed a United Nations Messenger for Peace in 2008, with a focus on the prevention of HIV and the elimination of violence against women.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
The focus is on af Klimt’s engagement with the natural world and exploration of spirituality in nature, juxtaposing detailed renderings of the Swedish flora that surrounded her with enigmatic abstract diagrams.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
The musical and film focus on the unlikely friendship found between the two witches at the center of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz – Elphaba Thropp, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda Upland, who becomes Glinda the Good.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Like photography, science requires examining an ecosystem through different lenses, focusing on different details, particularly as conditions shift.
—Avery Schuyler Nunn, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Noun
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Installing new modern hardware and software for all air traffic facilities to create a common platform system throughout towers, TRACONs and centers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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Wires from Singapore Rodriguez was one of several donors to quickly reached out to the center after Buffett first announced the initiative in the company’s annual shareholder letter released in February.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
8 May 2025
Noun
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When the external map is confusing, your internal compass becomes your most reliable guide.—
Kathy Miller Perkins,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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The works showcased come from the Kartell archive and include black and white shots that depict Kartell classic items such as the gold compass, or the little chair by Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, after concentrating on attacking areas in last summer’s big splash on nine new signings, an injection of pace at the other end will assist Hurzeler’s desire to defend with a high line.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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Instead of concentrating solely on strategies to achieve your goals, focus on what your ideal mental space will look like when these changes occur.—
Essence,
Essence,
1 May 2025
Noun
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These include plans for a Trump tower in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh and major hub Jeddah, real estate projects in Oman and further expansion in Abu Dhabi.—
Federico Maccioni,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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Ulrike Schroder will be managing director of the TV division, heading the hub for international TV distribution within Vuelta.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In addition, objects from the Kuiper Belt orbit in the opposite direction from everything else in the solar system, according to NASA.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
2 May 2025
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Despite some conflicts over the direction the church should take, most experts don't expect the conclave to stretch beyond a few days.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Noun
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The company also raised guidance on its capital expenditures for the year, expecting to spend between $64 billion to $72 billion.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Representing a milestone in South American TV and politics, the screening of Lara: The Man Who Tried To Save Colombia in the capital Bogotá is a commemoration of the 41st anniversary of Lara’s assassination.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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The screen served different purposes at different junctures.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
Noun
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From a pastel mecca of makeup, to decadent chocolate dim sum-and even where to score coveted Sonny Angels-these are the spots sure to please the hard-to-shop-for tween in your life.—
Bea McMonagle,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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The big picture: The nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation is in the midst of a massive $175 million restoration project that aims to transform the course into a golfing mecca for the region.—
Mike D'Onofrio,
Axios,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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