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
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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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of focus
Melanie Anzidei, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
This one, clearly the focus piece of the outfit, is a warm, chocolate-brown color with cream shearling lining and trim, including a cape-like hood in the back.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2025
Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Their efforts focus on solving key challenges that have impeded the advancement of fusion technology for over seventy years.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for focus 
Noun
But, inside a federal courthouse in Brooklyn this week, the focus wasn’t squarely on Anthony’s legendary basketball career that spanned 19 seasons in the NBA, or even his budding post-retirement exploits.
—Melanie Anzidei, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
This one, clearly the focus piece of the outfit, is a warm, chocolate-brown color with cream shearling lining and trim, including a cape-like hood in the back.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
Since so much attention is focused on Whitmore’s offensive contributions (his 10-point, 4-for-6 shooting first quarter against Cleveland, for starters), his effectiveness at the other end often goes unnoticed.
—Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Their efforts focus on solving key challenges that have impeded the advancement of fusion technology for over seventy years.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Noun
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If Ukraine develops its own air defense system, this would ease Kyiv's independence on the likes of the U.S. for the protection of its population centers and vital infrastructure.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Three-deck Atrium Lobby, Walt Disney Theatre (977-capacity live productions) and Buena Vista Theatre (278-capacity cinema); family and adult pools; spa and fitness center, jogging track.—
Mark Gauert,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Let your shared vision — to help students fulfill their dreams — be the compass that guides your governance.—
Bridget Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2025
-
But since Brexit, the U.K. has been economically and strategically off compass.—
Sam Knight,
The New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
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They are primarily concentrated in Hawaii, but also in California including in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.—
Stephanie Lam,
The Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2025
-
That growth was mostly concentrated in the Southeast, including the Philly region.—
Mike D'Onofrio,
Axios,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The appeal lies in creating a space where New Yorkers can enjoy exceptional service, free parking (a rarity in the region), and an experience that feels just as special as a trip to Manhattan’s luxury hubs.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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That will include shifting some production — particularly control room production — from New York and Washington, D.C., to CNN’s Atlanta hub.—
Alex Weprin,
The Hollywood Reporter,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
This cooling happens more in a certain direction, the direction perpendicular to the beam's direction.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
25 Jan. 2025
-
What shines through loud and clear is the importance of the feelings of self-confidence and direction engendered by acquiring such wilderness skills and deploying them successfully.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Music Loft, a private residence and entertainment venue in the Tennessee capital’s historic Market Street Building, is set to go under the hammer next month with Interluxe Auctions and Compass’s Stephen Brush.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Jan. 2025
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Her home takes its cues from Milan design, mixing vintage and artisanal pieces, a style Elsesser has been drawn to since her many travels to Italy’s fashion capital.—
Hannah Martin,
Architectural Digest,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Keeping your headphones on and listening to a favorite podcast or audiobook can serve the same purpose.—
Angela Haupt,
TIME,
21 Jan. 2025
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Many fans have questioned the purpose of a TV reboot given the film franchise is pretty much perfect as is, but Columbus sees its worth.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Creating an even larger mecca for the music lover is an exciting prospect, especially for our intimate live events, where the world’s most exciting artists perform in-store for the admission of purchasing their new album.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
23 Jan. 2025
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Although better known as a mecca for fashion and style, Milan is the capital of the agriculture-rich Lombardy region, ensuring that restaurants and home cooks can access fresh, high-quality local ingredients.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near focus
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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