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 This week, an over-the-hill Kevin Hart, (pickleball) court battles, and Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (and its related series), among others, demand your attention. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 July 2026 However, a person with suspicious lesions should seek immediate medical attention. — Sarah Tomlinson, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 Although Princess Anne, in a stunning yellow lace ensemble, drew much of the attention on the day, Diana shone, as always, at the wedding of Charles of England’s brother, thanks to the unique style that led her to become a global icon. — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026 Today, infrastructure, transportation, housing, and land use no longer compete for lawmakers' attention. — William Cogswell, Time, 24 July 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
  • Such layered literariness within a writer’s biography suggests a kind of total immersion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • Once on the verge of extinction, with fewer than 50 speakers under the age of 18, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi now has more than 20,000 speakers, thanks in large part to the growth of Hawaiian-language immersion programs across the state beginning in the 1980s.
    — Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of immersion
Noun
  • Holding it all together is the irrepressible Rodri, sweeping up loose balls and snuffing out counter-attacks with a positional awareness few central midfielders match.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Supported by a historic wave of retiring business owners and growing awareness of acquisition entrepreneurship, buying a business has become an increasingly attractive path to ownership.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • We are swayed by subconscious gestures that ultimately have no bearing on a person’s ability to do a job, like poor posture or a weak handshake.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Advertisement Claire, moved by Quinn’s gesture, wants to make things right for her daughter.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • All fruits and vegetables provide micronutrients and antioxidants, but those that are darker and richer in color have higher concentrations of these anti-inflammatory compounds.
    — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 July 2026
  • Fluid from the surrounding cells moves into the blood to help dilute the higher concentration of sugar.
    — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026
Definition of concentration
Noun
  • There's a decision tree on how to use DBT skills to resolve conflict, for example, and an infographic on how to practice mindfulness.
    — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 20 July 2026
  • The other is traditional mindfulness, which include techniques that focus not on internal monologues and rationalizations but on staying grounded in one’s surroundings and present circumstances.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 20 July 2026
Definition of mindfulness
Noun
  • His final game was the World Cup last-16 fixture between Spain and Portugal at this summer’s tournament, which eventual champions Spain won 1-0 courtesy of a stoppage-time Mikel Merino winner.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • More on the Platform titles below, with language courtesy of the festival.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 July 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • In the image, two young children hold blocks with star patterns over their eyes, anonymizing them.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Siard recommends mapping your wing with your eyes open before connecting it to the lash line.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
Definition of eye
Noun
  • In June, a judge suspended his arrest warrant and the international red notice issued to Interpol at the request of Hernández’s lawyer, although the case is still pending.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Last week, a similar notice was issued after the United States Navy intercepted and boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 25 July 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on attention

Nglish: Translation of attention for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about attention

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