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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Recent Examples of focus
Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The film marks a departure for the filmmaker, who previously focused on urban cultures and feminist narratives.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Some employees questioned why Walsh had been chosen, given that his research focus was quite different from that of the institute.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
That means working collaboratively with CMS leadership to understand needs, prioritize resources that directly support learning and staff, and ensure funding decisions are responsible, transparent and focused on student success.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The film marks a departure for the filmmaker, who previously focused on urban cultures and feminist narratives.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
The following three categories of exercises emphasize a focus on rib and spinal movement powered by slow, deep, diaphragmatic breaths.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Some employees questioned why Walsh had been chosen, given that his research focus was quite different from that of the institute.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
Research shows that people who skip a morning meal may be more likely to feel tired and have trouble concentrating during the day.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Eau de toilettes typically fall in the 7 to 12% range, eau de parfums land around 15 to 20%, and concentrates (also known as extraits) can reach 22 to 30%.—
Allure,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Knicks were only without McBride, and Detroit was missing two key rotation pieces in centers Isaiah Stewart and Duren due to suspension.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In the footage and images released by the FBI, the suspect appears to have a gun holstered near the center of his waist – an unusual position – and is seen wearing a backpack with reflective straps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Likewise, this administration has demonstrated a talent for sudden pivots — foreign policy statements that change overnight, budget proposals that evaporate by morning, and messaging that suggests the communications team may be using different maps, compasses and time zones.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Instead, use it as a compass to drive your situational needs for the spaces that mean the most to you.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Soon after, the area became a hub with saloons, butchers, bakeries and department stores.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Natasha Sutherland is the executive director of Florida Watch, a nonprofit communications and research hub.—
Natasha Sutherland,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Rhoades said Freret is moving in the same direction.—
TRAVIS LOLLER,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Only three of them consistently performed on record and in concert, but at least a dozen more were honorary members who attended formal band meetings and were granted as much say in its direction and philosophy as those who actually played the instruments.—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That decision came a month before jurors were set to be selected for the high-profile capital murder trial.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Noel Hacegaba, who last month took the helm of the Port of Long Beach, has greenlit the largest capital-spending plan of any port in North America.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Soldiers from the Multi-purpose Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division operated the aircraft during the drill.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The real purpose of the campaign was to draw attention to the violation of Japanese Americans’ Constitutional rights.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At Sunin Plaza, the do-it-yourself PC mecca in Seoul, the usual weekday buzz has evaporated.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
At Sunin Plaza, the do-it-yourself PC mecca in Seoul, the usual weekday buzz has evaporated.—
Debby Wu,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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