zero in on

phrasal verb

zeroed in on; zeroing in on; zeroes in on
1
: to direct all of one's attention to (someone or something)
Scientists are hoping to zero in on a cure.
2
: to aim something (such as a gun or camera) directly at (someone or something)
The gunner zeroed in on the target.

Examples of zero in on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Researchers combined two Brazilian datasets — one from the Ministry of Health and one that tracks social programs for the poorest half of the population — enabling them to zero in on 54 million people in Brazil living in poverty. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025 The team zeroed in on a group of 13 plants eaten by the apes that had little nutritional value but carried antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 The biggest focus should be on the appliances, pulling them out to clean the floors and zeroing in on stubborn nooks and crannies like door seals. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024 These are the primary takeaways from Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Amazon Prime series that took the Pitt-Jolie movie and turned it on its head by zeroing in on the smaller issues with being undercover as a married couple. Brian Grubb, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zero in on 

Dictionary Entries Near zero in on

Cite this Entry

“Zero in on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20in%20on. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!