1
as in identifying
to find out or establish the identity of
pinpointed the culprit by tracking calls from his cell phone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aiming
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
publishers like to be able to pinpoint publicity efforts where they will have the most effect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 pinpointing
Paying attention to leaf discoloration, pinpointing the problem, and taking rapid action can help restore your ficus to a flourishing state.
—
Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Unless a slang term emerges from a popular movie, pinpointing an exact date of birth is difficult (hence the question marks on the tombstone).
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
But the method could prove essential for pinpointing hazardous debris on the ground to aid recovery and remediation efforts.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
That same month, the business also plans to work with other organizations in funding Blue Star Families’ release of Military Spouse Employment Research with the aim of pinpointing actionable solutions to their raging unemployment.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026
Aquaria, season 10 winner, echoes Velour’s thoughts, pinpointing a change in runway standards around 2017-2018.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
Now, astronomers have for the first time confirmed the existence of one of these starless worlds by pinpointing its distance and mass — a rogue planet roughly the size of Saturn nearly 10,000 light-years from Earth.
—Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Academic research papers can also be a source of detailed test methods for pinpointing a specific metric or mimicking certain outdoor conditions.
—Adam Trenkamp, Outside, 27 Dec. 2025
And doctors began pinpointing the midlife hormonal transition period as a key time for health optimization in books such as The New Menopause and How to Menopause.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 Dec. 2025
Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Unless a slang term emerges from a popular movie, pinpointing an exact date of birth is difficult (hence the question marks on the tombstone).
—Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
But the method could prove essential for pinpointing hazardous debris on the ground to aid recovery and remediation efforts.
—Lee Billings, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026
That same month, the business also plans to work with other organizations in funding Blue Star Families’ release of Military Spouse Employment Research with the aim of pinpointing actionable solutions to their raging unemployment.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2026
Aquaria, season 10 winner, echoes Velour’s thoughts, pinpointing a change in runway standards around 2017-2018.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Jan. 2026
Now, astronomers have for the first time confirmed the existence of one of these starless worlds by pinpointing its distance and mass — a rogue planet roughly the size of Saturn nearly 10,000 light-years from Earth.
—Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Academic research papers can also be a source of detailed test methods for pinpointing a specific metric or mimicking certain outdoor conditions.
—Adam Trenkamp, Outside, 27 Dec. 2025
And doctors began pinpointing the midlife hormonal transition period as a key time for health optimization in books such as The New Menopause and How to Menopause.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinpointing
Verb
-
And expect to participate as a student of Spanish, identifying objects and colors as if in a beginner’s class.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The Larimer County coroner will be responsible for identifying the driver after the family has been notified and an autopsy has been conducted, per the Denver Gazette.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Alcaraz is aiming to be the youngest ever to win titles at all four Grand Slams.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Los Angeles pop-punk trio spends its seventh album wrestling with nostalgia, finding nuance and emotional complexity in their everyday grievances.—
Grace Robins-Somerville,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
-
While investigators interviewed hundreds of people connected to Plasse without finding her killer, the Chicopee Police Department became embroiled in scandal.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
WiiM’s products used to support the casting standard for iPhones and Mac, but no more.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
And, after months of casting rumors swirling on social media, Mendes finally revealed in 2025 who would portray the Fab Four.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pinpointing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinpointing. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
