A person or thing that attracts widespread admiration and attention.
Reach for it when giving rare literary emphasis to the admired focus of a gathering or place
The restored fountain became the cynosure of the summer festival.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
attention magnet
Fits when informal wording emphasizes irresistible notice
Careful The phrase is modern and catchy but says nothing about admiration.
playful
toast of the town
Fits when celebrated social popularity suits a deliberately colorful voice
Careful The idiom is dated, person-centered, and far too jaunty for serious praise.
everyday
center of attention
Fits when plain language should name concentrated notice
Careful Attention can be hostile or accidental, while cynosure normally suggests admiration.
warm
star attraction
Fits when one feature draws visitors through broad appeal
Careful Star attraction sounds promotional and applies more naturally to events or venues.
professional
focal point
Fits when visual or conceptual attention converges on one element
Careful A focal point need not be admired or socially prominent.
formal
showpiece
Fits when an object is displayed as an example of exceptional quality
Careful A showpiece may be admired privately and need not draw everyone's attention.
cynosure of
The glass pavilion became the cynosure of the winter exhibition.
become the cynosure
One rescued manuscript would become the cynosure of the collection.
social cynosure
The visiting poet was the social cynosure of the opening night.
Keep in mind
Cynosure is rare. Its older literal sense names the North Star; center of attention is clearer for most current readers.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: SinsOfSeven, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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