zero in on

phrasal verb

zeroed in on; zeroing in on; zeroes in on
1
: to direct all of one's attention to (someone or something)
Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.
2
: to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)
The gunner zeroed in on the target.

Examples of zero in on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The second half would be much a tougher outing for Kirsch and the offense as USC’s defense began to zero in on some of TCU’s tendencies. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025 The first key to success is zeroing in on one goal, not three. Kelly Mickle, SELF, 29 Dec. 2025 Her father zeroed in on the teen’s location using the parental controls installed on her phone. Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025 In the meantime, Marino has zeroed in on a temporary space in Rue Bonaparte to surf the growing wave of interest the French market is showing toward Maison Jejia. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zero in on

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Cite this Entry

“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

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