Synonyms for

Focal

Verb / ˈfəʊkʌl / Another word for focal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Focal means relating to the center or most important part.

Synonyms & similar words

central main key core primary dominant prominent essential principal crucial pivotal vital significant important critical fundamental essential mainstream mainline leading

Synonyms by register

Formal

central principal key essential

Informal

main chief important biggest

Literary

heart core nucleus

Antonyms

peripheral secondary minor unimportant marginal incidental

Common collocations

  • focal point
  • focal length
  • focal plane
  • focal spot
  • focal distance
  • focal infection
  • focal lesion

Word family

noun focus
adjective focal
adverb focally

Usage note

Often used in technical contexts like optics and medicine. 'Focal point' is a very common collocation.

Example sentences

  1. The focal point of the painting was the bright red flower.
  2. The focal length of the camera lens determines the distance of the subject.
  3. The focal area of the earthquake experienced the most damage.
  4. The presenter emphasized the focal theme of the conference.
  5. The focal character of the story was brave and determined.

Quotes

  • The focal point of any room should be a reflection of the people who live in it. - Jillian Harris
  • The focal point of your life is to be happy. - Deepak Chopra
  • The mind is never satisfied with the objects immediately before it, but is always breaking away from the present moment, and losing itself in schemes of future felicity...The natural flights of the human mind are not from pleasure to pleasure, but from hope to hope. - Samuel Johnson

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words