Another Word for Attention: 17 Synonyms with Examples
Attention means noticing or focusing on something, care given to someone, or interest from others. Swap it to stress concentration, care or notice.
As a noun: focus or concentration
- concentration
- focus
- notice
- awareness
- observation
- heed
- mind
As a noun: care or treatment
- care
- treatment
- consideration
- service
- help
As a noun: interest from others
- notice
- publicity
- interest
- spotlight
- recognition
- limelight
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- concentration
- Effort to keep your mind on one task.
- focus
- Attention directed at one thing; common in work and study.
- heed
- Formal; to pay attention to advice or a warning.
- care
- Attention given to someone's needs.
- publicity
- Attention from the media or the public.
- spotlight
- Close public attention, often unwanted.
Example sentences
- concentration: The noise outside broke my concentration.
- focus: The focus of the meeting shifted to the budget.
- heed: Climbers who took no heed of the warning were rescued later.
- care: The patients receive round-the-clock care.
- publicity: The court case brought the company unwanted publicity.
- spotlight: After the award, the young author was suddenly in the spotlight.
Opposite of attention
- inattention
- neglect
- distraction
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “attention”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: attending, aid, tending
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “attention”?
The most useful alternatives are “concentration”, “focus”, “notice”, “awareness”, “observation”. For the main sense (focus or concentration), “concentration” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “concentration” and “focus”?
concentration: Effort to keep your mind on one task. focus: Attention directed at one thing; common in work and study.
What is the opposite of “attention”?
Common antonyms are “inattention”, “neglect”, “distraction”.