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
Lawmakers zeroed in on how surveillance can impact organizing efforts in recent years.
—
Annie Palmer, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
On Thursday, Feb 6, during a focus group with parents, teachers and public and private school and early childhood program representatives, the discussion zeroed in on the high levels of stress and anxiety among students, teachers and parents, as well as the sedentary lifestyle of young people.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
Since most of McCarthy’s remarks followed standard Republican talking points, the AP bulletin zeroed in on the one part that seemed newsworthy.
—Made By History, TIME, 9 Feb. 2025
These are missiles topped with what are called kinetic kill vehicles, which are able to zero in on attacking missiles and destroy them by sheer force of impact.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for zero in on 
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Annie Palmer, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
On Thursday, Feb 6, during a focus group with parents, teachers and public and private school and early childhood program representatives, the discussion zeroed in on the high levels of stress and anxiety among students, teachers and parents, as well as the sedentary lifestyle of young people.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
Since most of McCarthy’s remarks followed standard Republican talking points, the AP bulletin zeroed in on the one part that seemed newsworthy.
—Made By History, TIME, 9 Feb. 2025
These are missiles topped with what are called kinetic kill vehicles, which are able to zero in on attacking missiles and destroy them by sheer force of impact.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for zero in on
Dictionary Entries Near zero in on
Cite this Entry
“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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