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.
Senators zero in on air defense Out of the $7.3 billion funding increase, the Senate Appropriations Committee wants $5.2 billion to buy more of those weapons. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 Even though many beachy, boozy songs in his catalogue offer a lighthearted spirit of escapism, just as many zero in on life’s struggles while offering shimmers of light at the end of dark tunnels. Scott Huver, People.com, 24 July 2025 Right now, the task is to open camp with a fresh mindset and zero in on the season opener against Nevada on Aug. 30. W.g. Ramirez, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025 Compare that with the FDA panel’s data-heavy discussion, which focused almost entirely on prescription hormone therapies and zeroed in on pharmacokinetics, delivery mechanisms (like transdermal vs. oral estrogen) and long-term safety outcomes. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 22 July 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 4 Aug. 2025.

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