rivet

verb

Definition of rivetnext
as in to focus
to fix (as one's attention) steadily toward a central objective everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rivet In a world riveted by an unprecedented fossil fuel crisis, does anyone have time for a big summit on climate change? — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 The biggest news going into the second week of this year’s riveting French Open? — Corey Seymour, Vogue, 1 June 2026 The decision marks the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and best-selling books. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 Fifty years ago audiences were riveted by that thriller that focused on two relentless newsmen, played by Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, who were digging into the seedy mysteries of the Watergate scandal. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rivet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivet
  1. focus
  2. concentrate
Verb
  • However, the website indicates that Abarca would focus on funding fixes and upgrades to existing roads and bridges before branching out into creating new transit routes.
    — Ilana Arougheti July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • In most instances, the handbook largely accepts the notion that rogue drones will appear and focuses on how to cope with them afterwards by negating their effects.
    — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of focus
Verb
  • On July 28, Mark Zuckerberg published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing that superintelligence should be distributed as widely as possible and that concentrating it in a handful of institutions is the greatest risk AI poses to humanity.
    — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • According to researchers, because the gripping force is spread across a large contact area rather than concentrated at rigid fingertips, fragile objects are less likely to be damaged.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
Definition of concentrate

Browse Nearby Words

rives
rivet
riveted
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Cite this Entry

“Rivet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivet. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rivet

Nglish: Translation of rivet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rivet

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