cynosure
All eyes here
A cynosure is something that draws attention or admiration—a focal point or center of attraction: She was the cynosure of every eye at the gala.
The word is literary and somewhat old-fashioned.
It originally referred to the North Star, used by sailors for navigation, which explains its extended sense of something that guides or commands attention.
Center of interest
- center of attentionWho everyone notices most
- highlightMost notable part
- showpiecePrized display item
- attractionPull toward something
spectacle · main event · feature · crown jewel · gem · treasure · masterpiece · pièce de résistance
Orienting celestial body
- lodestarCelestial navigation reference
- polestarAxis-aligned navigational celestial body
- North StarPole-aligned celestial beacon
- PolarisCelestial north marker
compass · beacon · navigator · waypoint · reference point · fixed point · bearing · orientation
Object of worship
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- starLuminous astronomical object
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- heroOne admired for courage
darling · luminary · paragon · exemplar · model · standout · sensation · phenom
Celestial north marker
- North StarPole-aligned celestial beacon
- polestarAxis-aligned navigational celestial body
- lodestarCelestial navigation reference
- celestial navigationLocation-finding via astronomical observation
stellar · astrolabe · sextant · mariner · wayfinding · latitude · longitude · charting
focal point
Center of interest
- center of attentionWho everyone notices most
- highlightMost notable part
- showpiecePrized display item
attraction · spectacle · main event · feature · crown jewel · gem · treasure · masterpiece · pièce de résistance · exhibit
guiding star
Orienting celestial body
- lodestarCelestial navigation reference
- polestarAxis-aligned navigational celestial body
- North StarPole-aligned celestial beacon
Polaris · compass · beacon · navigator · waypoint · reference point · fixed point · bearing · orientation · true north
idol
Object of worship
hero · darling · luminary · paragon · exemplar · model · standout · sensation · phenom · toast
Polaris
Celestial north marker
- North StarPole-aligned celestial beacon
- polestarAxis-aligned navigational celestial body
- lodestarCelestial navigation reference
celestial navigation · stellar · astrolabe · sextant · mariner · wayfinding · latitude · longitude · charting · course
- focusfocus, concentration, attention, focal point, concentrate
- guidanceguide, guidepost, signpost, beacon, compass
- spotlightspotlight, center stage, limelight, main attraction, star attraction
cynosurenonentity
Unimportant person or thing
nobody · afterthought · wallflower · obscurity · background
cynosurered herring
Intentional misleading distraction
will-o'-the-wisp · misleader · distraction · false lead · misdirection