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
Relevance
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
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 focus
Martino Carrera, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
This strong alumni network, along with SCAD’s focus on collaboration and experiential learning, is a source of pride for Reeve-Rabb, who’s particularly excited for next year’s awards season.
—Spenser Mestel, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Fabiola Iza, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
Based in California, Barlow’s career has focused on challenging DNA evidence, both in private practice and for the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, her website states.
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Noun
On Friday, the association, which has been supporting talents of different backgrounds with an original focus on the African continent, gathered industry figures at hip member’s club The Wilde to spotlight 10 fashion creatives.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
This strong alumni network, along with SCAD’s focus on collaboration and experiential learning, is a source of pride for Reeve-Rabb, who’s particularly excited for next year’s awards season.
—Spenser Mestel, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Here, Gallardo’s work was represented eclectically: Clay sculptures stood alongside paintings with muted palettes and mournful figurations focusing on her mother’s unsuccessful ambition to paint professionally.
—Fabiola Iza, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
Based in California, Barlow’s career has focused on challenging DNA evidence, both in private practice and for the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, her website states.
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for focus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for focus
Noun
-
Hasler likens it to an orchestra of clocks, with the conductor directing from the hypothalamus, a small region within the center of the brain.—
Sarah Boden,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Water villas take center stage here, along with luxurious spa treatments offered in private nests, and divers can enjoy one of PADI’s newest eco centers.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Advice for Founders For aspiring founders, your instincts are your most reliable compass.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Additionally, tools like the map and compass are unreadable at night.—
Issy van der Velde,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The strategic testing method makes tests run shorter while concentrating on the areas that need attention.—
Sai Sandeep Ogety,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
But the new data can help concentrate conservation efforts on those species at the highest risk.—
Eliza Grames,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Casa Loewe is not only an emotional hub for art and culture enthusiasts but also a tangible embodiment of the brand’s artistic essence.—
WWD,
WWD,
28 Feb. 2025
-
The telecommunications equipment factory was for years a hub of technical and white-collar jobs.—
Kevin Spear,
Orlando Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Cooperman expressed both support and misgivings about the direction President Donald Trump has taken while pursuing tariffs against U.S. trading partners.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Geography can also give you a nudge in the right direction.—
Emily Price,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
More Deebo Samuel news: 49ers Send Star WR Deebo Samuel to Commanders in Blockbuster Trade Samuel will take his talents to the nation's capital and look to take the Commanders to the next level after an excellent year for the young Washington team.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Small-caps — which Fidelity defines as companies with market values between $300 million and $2 billion — typically have fewer financial resources, limited access to capital, and often rely heavily on debt.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Your personal changes will offer clarity and revision and give you a purpose that makes life worth living.—
Eugenia Last,
The Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Treasuries have been around for a long time, but their underlying purpose is debatable at best.—
DP Opinion,
The Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Those who love thrifting will also find the city a mecca for preloved vintage goods.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The most urgent big-wave alert, a high surf warning, is in effect for parts of Hawaii, including surfing's mecca, the North Shore, where waves of 50 feet are possible Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC News,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/focus. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share