zero in on

phrasal verb

zeroed in on; zeroing in on; zeroes in on

: to direct all of one's attention to (someone or something)

Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.

: 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.

Word of the eerie message comes as NYPD detectives continued their manhunt and zeroed in on the suspect. —

Rocco Parascandola, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2024 The Chinese hackers were then able to narrow their focus and zero in on the specific communications of a smaller number of important, high profile Americans and, in some cases, China was able to obtain audio calls from that smaller group of victims and review their text messages. —

Pierre Thomas, ABC News, 3 Dec. 2024 Watch on Deadline The film shows the militia zeroing in on Muslim passengers and removing them from the train at gunpoint. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024 At first, the investigation zeroed in on John and Patsy but eventually considered many persons of interest. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zero in on