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

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Investigators reportedly worked to identify the suspect by zeroing in on the locations and timing of the assaults, along with the various descriptions of the alleged perpetrator. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025 This analysis zeroes in on downside risk and complements our separate assessment of upside drivers. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 At the plant, the investigators zeroed in on the production of injectable medications. Megan Rose, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2025 Dozens of cops responded to the scene and zeroed in on a gray SUV with commercial license plates. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zero in on

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Cite this Entry

“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.

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