FIXATE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

fixate

verb

Definition of fixate

as in to gaze

to look at or think about something constantly; to give all of your attention to something

—usually + on or upon The cat was fixated on a small hole in the wall. Why do journalists fixate on scandals?

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar 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 fixate The proximity makes a team’s flaws so obvious, which is why fans sometimes fixate on the three or four major problems with their team rather than highlight the strengths of the group. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 But fixating on carbon in this way carries an unintended consequence. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 Electra is fixated on vengeance for the murder of her father Agamenonon, by Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. — Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 For more advice on how to stop fixating on your body image, listen to this episode of NPR's Life Kit. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fixate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixate

Verb

Make sure to get a room with a balcony for private hipster-gazing with a cocktail.

— Riza Cruz, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
There aren’t many places in London where a king once climbed upstairs to gaze at the stars.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of gaze

Verb

With the Seminoles staring at the end zone from the 4-yard line, Daniels faked the pitch left, kept the football and charged straight up the middle, steamrolling through Virginia safety Christian Ellis before crashing into the end zone.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
The stranger stared at him in mute disappointment, then turned and went out.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of stare

Verb

Rumors have swirled about their eyeing production jobs at Netflix and Sony.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
Twenty-six years later, Carnaval De Luz feels like yet another starting point, at a moment when anyone not named Mick or Keith might reasonably be eyeing the finish line.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of eye

Verb

As a child, Henrik Andersen would look out of his window in Jutland, Denmark’s windswept western peninsula, and watch the distant wind turbines turn.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Should cabin fever somehow strike, the hotel can arrange adventures further afield, from whale-watching and boat trips along the Costa Del Sol coast to private hikes through the Andalusian mountains and even cheesemaking at a local goat farm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of watch

Verb

Such an approach runs the risk of gawking at an unfamiliar people, their hegemonies and their ways of life, even with the best intentions.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, site offers visitors a chance to gawk at a vast array of the figurines as well as learn more about their history, and offers bobbleheads for sale.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of gawk

Verb

Ilya’s urging to slow down and observe the safety protocols merely result in Sam nudging him aside, along with Mira for a time.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
On one attempt, the process server observed four cars in the driveway, but no one answered at the front door, the new filing said.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of observe

Verb

Decisions regarding transfers are based on multiple factors, including a baby's medical condition and stability, clinical needs, parental wishes, and bed availability at each location.

— Juli McDonald, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Restaurants are allowed to set their own policies regarding underage people sitting at the bar, Liquor License said.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of regard

Browse Nearby Words

fixable

fixate

fixated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fixate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fixate

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inscrutable

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes