PAY ATTENTION Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

attention

noun

ə-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of attention

as in immersion

a focusing of the mind on something I need your full attention right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Sweeney said getting Congress to focus on the Social Security trust fund will be tough because so much else demands their immediate attention. — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 The alerts have piled up, with cyclospora occupying much of the attention this year, as the parasitic infection gave explosive diarrhea to people in 48 states. — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Those are precisely the kinds of challenges that call for the careful attention and resources of the Attorney General’s Office. — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026 After successful demonstration in ground and airborne trials, the company turned its attention to a GravNav, a system that senses changes in gravity fields. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for attention

Noun

Liquid and immersion cooling Air cooling struggles when thousands of processors are packed inside a data center.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
What is sort of funny is imagining how immersion in the city’s cultural scene fits into Vanderbilt’s broader ambitions.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of immersion

Noun

Yandel is recognized for his support of community and educational initiatives, mental health awareness and emerging Latino talent.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
But even her awareness can’t be constant, as shown by a scene that played out just this summer.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of awareness

Noun

The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In a gesture of peace, al Sharaa enshrined key rights for Kurds via presidential decree, such as protection of the Kurdish language and recognition of Kurdish holidays.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

Long before mindfulness became a defining element of luxury hospitality, Miraval Arizona was there with insights and solutions.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
My work has explored how technology can help measure and promote these connections for better health, such as by tracking activity through wearables or delivering mindfulness training through mobile apps.

— Masha Remskar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mindfulness

Noun

Braking performance comes courtesy of Gale Speed calipers, a Kustom Tech master cylinder, and custom in-house caliper brackets.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
While both the primary and secondary suites live on the main level, an ascending staircase leads you up to a dedicated workspace and additional sleeping accommodations courtesy of a sleeper sofa.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Its exterior is rich with symbolism, from stone carvings representing the all-seeing eye of God to a golden statue, atop the highest spire, of an angel blowing a trumpet to herald the Second Coming.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Unlike the heavy smoky eyes and cut creases of the 2010s, this trend is throwing it back to the 1990s when smoky eyes were more minimalist.

— Elle Turner, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of eye

Noun

Starring Leisa Gwenllian in a breakout role, Marc Evans’ (Mr Burton) film drew strong notices this summer, especially for its lead.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Another student parked in the bike rack at nearby John Wayne Park and found a notice from Newport Beach Public Works stating that his e-bike will be confiscated if it's not removed within 24 hours.

— Michele Gile, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of notice

Browse Nearby Words

attend (to)

attention

attentions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attention. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of attention

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on attention

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes