fixate

Definition of fixatenext
as in to gaze
to look at or think about something constantly; to give all of your attention to something
usually + on or upon
The cat was fixated on a small hole in the wall. Why do journalists fixate on scandals?

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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 fixate In a culture fixated by fame, namelessness evidently held an even higher currency. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 3 May 2026 Since the initiation of the geopolitical conflict with Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February 2026, the global economic narrative has been fixated on headline inflation, central bank interest rates, and disrupted supply chains. Katica Roy, Fortune, 2 May 2026 Perhaps, then, fixating on the ground rules, like Nelson did, isn’t the right approach. Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 The national debate on healthcare costs often fixates on single solutions. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fixate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate
Verb
  • Float through spectacular canyons, check out petroglyphs and Native American ruins, conquer rapids, and spend your nights unwinding while gazing up at the Milky Way.
    Matt Bell, AFAR Media, 19 May 2026
  • Smith gazed lovingly at Brosnan as the leading man turned up the charm while accepting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.
    John Russell, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Why Off-Grid Travel Is Booming In 2026 The shift is driven by hard numbers about how much of life is spent staring at a screen.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
  • His hands were at ten and two, his face fixed, staring straight ahead.
    Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Simple and streamlined, this linen tank top is one of the most versatile additions to any travel wardrobe—I’m even eyeing it in a few different colors, given its affordable price tag.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Altman’s OpenAI, which Musk helped start in 2015 before a contentious split that led to the eventual lawsuit, is valued at more than $850 billion and is eyeing a possible market debut later this year.
    Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Maybe more importantly, he was considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, which gives him a better chance to contribute early with a QB who expects precision and professionalism.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • For a closer look, ask the concierge to arrange a whale-watching boat ride.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • As the performers take the stage for the glitzy grand final on Saturday, many watching will hope the controversy of the run-up is left well behind.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • This seemingly reflexive action of whipping out their phones while gawking and filming isn’t a novel occurrence.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • There are flashy dunks or goals to gawk at.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gastonia officials said existing city staff working throughout the community have been assigned to observe and report potential violations while also responding to complaints from residents.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
  • Collectors use a special ant farm called a formicarium, essentially a large glass or clear plastic box, to house and observe ants.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Local election officials across Missouri, including those in Clay and Platte counties, received official notice Thursday afternoon to move forward with the state’s new, gerrymandered congressional map despite ongoing questions regarding a referendum petition against it.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Under Bovo’s administration, the department also underwent a transition after the ublic Works director at the time, Armando Vidal—widely regarded as a de facto city manager and one of the most influential figures in the administration—retired in 2023.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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