FIXATING Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

fixating

verb

present participle of fixate

as in staring

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?

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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 fixating But fixating on carbon in this way carries an unintended consequence. — Literary Hub, 3 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 The ear popping and discomfort caused by changing cabin pressure may be completely normal, but knowing that doesn’t necessarily stop you from fixating on it. — Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Robbins recommends watching trends over weeks and months rather than fixating on last night’s number. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026 This move also reveals more about billionaire philanthropy than only fixating on the tax issue. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 July 2026 Next year’s draft is also why there’s no point in fixating on wins and losses this season. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026 This is Leeds taking care of today, rather than fixating on tomorrow and the potential of a player. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 24 June 2026 People are fixating on celebrities of all kinds, accusing singers of body-positive anthems of being hypocritical, rolling their eyes at athletes promoting weight loss drugs and whispering about the thinness of their favorite movie stars. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fixating

Verb

Before a first-down play from the Cleveland 20-yard line, Rodgers could be seen staring at the Pittsburgh sideline with his arms spread out, apparently waiting to receive the play from McCarthy.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
More of the same people staring at the same problem in the same room.

— Duncan Wardle, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of staring

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
On most days the Jewel House in the Tower of London is packed with tourists gawking at the fabled British Crown Jewels.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of gawking

Verb

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, a crowd had gathered, and even Carmen Machi (who received the National Film Award at this festival) was peering out from the hotel’s rooftop.

— Amaia Odriozola, Vanity Fair, 20 Sep. 2026
But dogs are everywhere — running loose, tied up, peering out of tents that line the sidewalk.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of peering

Verb

Minute by minute Later on Wednesday, investors will be closely watching the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's last meeting in September.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Mark won the Met Mile at Belmont Park—a prestigious Grade 1 race, the highest level of thoroughbred competition—with the long-shot horse, and watching his brother succeed brought a rush of emotion.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of watching

Verb

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
The Ellisons were also said to be eying Elon Musk and other wealthy individuals to come on as equity investors.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of eyeing

Verb

The bay facing the western shore of Newfoundland is the mouth—the gaping estuary—of the Saint Lawrence, Newfoundland on the chart detached and apparently drifting out to sea.

— Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
His shirt is cut open during the video to reveal what appears to be a gaping gunshot wound in his back.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026