as in to concentrate
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective
try to focus your attention on the task at hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in center
a thing or place that is of greatest importance to an activity or interest
in the 19th century Paris was the focus of the art world
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle
a wildlife conservation organization that seems to have lost its focus
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of focus
Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The film marks a departure for the filmmaker, who previously focused on urban cultures and feminist narratives.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
State investments have further amplified our focus on high-demand programs.
—Torey Alston, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Verb
That means working collaboratively with CMS leadership to understand needs, prioritize resources that directly support learning and staff, and ensure funding decisions are responsible, transparent and focused on student success.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The film marks a departure for the filmmaker, who previously focused on urban cultures and feminist narratives.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
The focus remains on how nuclear microreactors for mining or remote processing sites could keep operations running without relying on distant utilities for power.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
State investments have further amplified our focus on high-demand programs.
—Torey Alston, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Verb
-
The gains are largely concentrated at the top of the financial table, fueled by investor interest and new facilities in the pipeline.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The China shock took a disproportionate toll on small-scale manufacturing—textiles, toys, furniture—concentrated primarily in the South.—
Josh Tyrangiel,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
-
With Sam Darnold under center, the Seahawks were third in points scored and eighth in yards gained.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The latter can alternate between a conventional watch face, a chronograph, a compass, and the car’s launch-control indicator.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
9 Feb. 2026
-
That belief is my compass through uncertainty.—
W. Jeff Williams,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Soon after, the area became a hub with saloons, butchers, bakeries and department stores.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Natasha Sutherland is the executive director of Florida Watch, a nonprofit communications and research hub.—
Natasha Sutherland,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Maybe that school of thought will change if the line on the chart below continues to move in an upward direction.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The threat to these businesses came from an unexpected direction.—
Peyton Forte,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The agreement emerged from a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
At least 12 people have been killed after an explosion at a Shiite Muslim mosque in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Friday, Punjab Police told CNN.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nevertheless, laid low by cancer and the claim battle, Karen Powers continued on in the job that had provided her with a lifelong sense of meaning and purpose.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
SpaceX plans to use its Starship system for the task — the largest spacecraft and rocket system ever built, and the vehicle that Musk says is purpose-made for taking people to Mars.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With one day left to declare candidacy in the race for Los Angeles mayor, all eyes are on Rick Caruso, the billionaire developer behind outdoor shopping meccas like The Grove.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Today, the Los Cabos area and neighboring East Cape have emerged a wellness mecca.—
Jen Murphy,
Outside,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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