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
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.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of focus
Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Ralph represents the new kind of leadership our city needs — principled, independent, and focused on results.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
To address this gap, the authors advocate for a substantial increase in fruit and vegetable production, with a focus on nutrient-dense produce such as berries, leafy greens and carrots.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
So that really is the appearance of AI Natalie [which is] her subconscious not having any other way to put out this grief or to confront these emotions despite Riri [trying] to shut that part of her brain off and focus on other [things].
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Ralph represents the new kind of leadership our city needs — principled, independent, and focused on results.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Noun
New operating models require new roles, new mindsets, and a steadfast focus on relationships and communication with teams and partners about the changes ahead.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
To address this gap, the authors advocate for a substantial increase in fruit and vegetable production, with a focus on nutrient-dense produce such as berries, leafy greens and carrots.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
Merchant banking-style funds concentrate their efforts on fewer companies with deeper operational involvement.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
After selling the company in 1998 to investors, Dinh Van concentrated on unique furniture pieces, among other personal projects.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Community amenities include a parking garage, a resort-style pool, pet park, fitness center with a yoga and pilates studio, resident clubhouse and co-working space.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
19 July 2025
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Although the summit is accessible by car and train, trails just beyond the visitor center can turn treacherous for anyone unfamiliar with mountain hiking.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
-
This clarity becomes your compass for navigating complexity and creating meaningful, lasting impact.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
To use her inner compass, instead of relying on Google Maps to navigate.—
JJ Rosen,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Across our footprint, 1,000+ founders activated in our business hubs—contributed, connected, and claimed space in the future of culture and commerce.—
ESSENCE Staff,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
Like in the United States, Australian campuses were once the hub of pro-Palestinian protests led by students who pitched tents demanding action to stop Israel’s assault on Gaza.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
They’re then added into the mascarpone mixture one spoonful at a time, while stirring gently in the same direction to achieve a consistent light and airy texture.—
Bryce Jones,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
-
Always follow package directions when applying fertilizer to your garden to avoid over-fertilizing.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
As Russian troops slowly clawed back most of Kursk, attacks on Sumy – and its regional capital, Sumy city – increased.—
Joanna Kakissis,
NPR,
11 July 2025
-
Located in the ritzy Ginza district of the Japanese capital, the boutique stands out with a massive, shining facade in the brand’s signature blue color.—
Kelly Wetherille,
Footwear News,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 July 2025
-
As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
As Almeyda makes her journey towards this elusive mecca, both the idea of Palmares and Almeyda’s journey toward it feel like hallucinatory visions: Vibrantly conjured, indeed mythic in intention and impact.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
-
By day, it’s known for its colorful murals and buzzing cafés, but by night, the district turns into a mecca for creative cocktails, late-night galleries and performances by world-class DJs.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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