attention

noun

ə-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce attention (audio)
Definition of attentionnext
1
as in immersion
a focusing of the mind on something I need your full attention right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in awareness
a state of being aware several mothers brought to the committee's attention the deplorable condition of the playground

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners she enjoyed her suitor's old-school attentions

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 attention Several mass stranding events in Oceania have garnered attention in the last few years. — Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026 Trouble walking or speaking, confusion and extreme tiredness are more serious signs that should prompt immediate medical attention, Joshua said. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026 During the gala, Abdy delivered a fiery 15-minute address that held the ballroom at rapt attention. — Marc Malkin, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026 Three years later, Michael Medina finally had Goodman’s attention. — Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attention
  1. immersion
  2. awareness
  3. gesture
  4. concentration
  5. mindfulness
  6. courtesy
  7. eye
  8. notice
Noun
  • In the afternoon we are taken by boat to the sacred Sangam for the immersion.
    — Sonia Gandhi, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Much of it is spoken in the Iku language, offering a remarkable immersion into the community’s ancestral worldview.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of immersion
Noun
  • Part of our work is figuring out how to close the gap between the scale and the numbers and the awareness.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Stewart says the costume wasn’t intended to mock the unhoused, but rather raise awareness of their plight.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • The hood stayed on throughout the meeting, turning a gesture of artistic consistency into something that, to outsiders, might look like a defensive maneuver.
    — Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • If they were mean, like too many real-life city council visitors, her above-and-beyond gestures could seem foolish.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • The active ingredient — 2 percent salicylic acid (which is the strongest concentration that can be in an over-the-counter product) — is encapsulated and released slowly over time, preventing the area from drying up.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Investors have rewarded this concentration of authority, while boards have all too frequently accommodated it.
    — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of concentration
Noun
  • Isaac Treves, a postdoctoral research fellow at Columbia University who studies neuroimaging, mindfulness and resilience, is particularly skeptical of consumer neurofeedback devices such as Muse.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • These include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, exercise, clinical hypnosis and acupuncture.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of mindfulness
Noun
  • Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio read by Jake Reiner, from the audiobook WHO KILLED JFK?
    — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Photo courtesy of Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters Furkids is seeking donations through its Georgia Gives fundraising page to support its Furkids to the Rescue Fund, which helps the organization respond when large groups of animals need rescue.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • Catholic preschool Supreme Court case, health care reform, money in politics and more, in readers' eyes.
    — Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Stepping into a pool of mid-afternoon light, Claire Mazza raised her left arm above her head, eyes fixed on the whisper-thin space between her thumb and second finger.
    — Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of eye
Noun
  • This collection is disclosed to users at setup and in TCL’s privacy notice, uses pseudonymization to prevent user profiling, and can be turned off by the user.
    — John Higgins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Before any involvement from the Chicago Police Department, BACP issues administrative notices for noncompliance.
    — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of notice

Browse Nearby Words

attend (to)
attention
attentions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attention. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on attention

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about attention

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