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Definitions

focus

[foh-kuhs] / ˈfoʊ kəs /
NOUN
center or object of attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
center of attention focal point
STRONG
center centerpiece cynosure limelight object polestar spotlight
WEAK
bull's eye target
Antonyms
STRONG
periphery
NOUN
central purpose or theme
Synonyms
STRONGEST
goal priority purpose
STRONG
aim subject theme thesis topic
WEAK
concentration core cornerstone emphasis gist heart
NOUN
place where activity or power is concentrated
Synonyms
STRONG
center headquarters heart hub locus mecca nerve center seat
WEAK
core cornerstone
Antonyms
STRONG
margins outpost outskirts periphery
NOUN
point at which light or sound converge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
focal point prime focus
STRONG
concentration convergence point of convergence
VERB
direct attention to or concentrate on
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apply oneself to attend (to) concentrate engage fixate pay attention to pore over
STRONG
aim center centralize concenter fasten fix home in home in on hone in pinpoint rivet sharpen spotlight
WEAK
key on move in zero in zoom in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
distract scatter unravel wander
STRONG
disarrange disorganize disperse diverge divide separate
WEAK
abandon disregard ignore neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” doesn’t strictly limit its focus to the distant past.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

"I do look forward to my party being an effective opposition," he said, saying Labour would be be "laser-like" in its focus on improving people's lives.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

A huge landfill situated about six kilometers outside of Ushuaia has been the focus of intense speculation.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

That is the distinction investors should focus on.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Ben said we shouldn’t focus on the past, but it always felt to me he meant more along the lines of our own personal pasts, not history itself.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Vocabulary lists containing focus

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!