MCGUFFIN Synonyms

• a man-made object taken as a whole

• an abstract part of something

• an artifact that is one of the individual parts of which a composite entity is made up; especially a part that can be separated from or attached to a system

• any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter

• the most favorable environment for a plant or animal

• one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe

• the situation in which you are happiest and most effective

• a straight line that generates a cylinder or cone

• that which is perceived or known or inferred to have its own distinct existence (living or nonliving)

• the concentration of attention or energy on something

• maximum clarity or distinctness of an image rendered by an optical system

• maximum clarity or distinctness of an idea

• a central point or locus of an infection in an organism

• special emphasis attached to something

• a point of convergence of light (or other radiation) or a point from which it diverges

• a fixed reference point on the concave side of a conic section

• direct one's attention on something

• cause to converge on or toward a central point

• bring into focus or alignment; to converge or cause to converge; of ideas or emotions

• become focussed or come into focus

• put (an image) into focus

• a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list

• a small part that can be considered separately from the whole

• a whole individual unit; especially when included in a list or collection

• an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

• an individual instance of a type of symbol

• (used when listing or enumerating items) also

• a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

• the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)

• (grammar) a constituent that is acted upon

• the focus of cognitions or feelings

• (computing) a discrete item that provides a description of virtually anything known to a computer

• express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent

• be averse to or express disapproval of

• a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling

• any movable articles or objects used on the set of a play or movie

• a propeller that rotates to push against air

• support by placing against something solid or rigid

• the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

• something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation

• a branch of knowledge

• some situation or event that is thought about

• (grammar) one of the two main constituents of a sentence; the grammatical constituent about which something is predicated

• a person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures; someone who is an object of investigation

• a person who owes allegiance to that nation

• (logic) the first term of a proposition

• possibly accepting or permitting

• being under the power or sovereignty of another or others

• likely to be affected by something

• cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to

• make accountable for

• make subservient; force to submit or subdue

• a reference point to shoot at

• a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

• the location of the target that is to be hit

• sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at

• the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)

• intend (something) to move towards a certain goal

• a special situation

• an action

• a special abstraction

• an artifact

• an event

• a vaguely specified concern

• a statement regarded as an object

• an entity that is not named specifically

• any attribute or quality considered as having its own existence

• a special objective

• a persistent illogical feeling of desire or aversion

• a separate and self-contained entity

• having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

• morally admirable

• benefit

• moral excellence or admirableness

• that which is pleasing or valuable or useful

• a raw material that is sold in large quantities, usually to other businesses for manufacturing or production purposes

• (often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well')

• completely and absolutely (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly')

• having the normally expected amount

• deserving of esteem and respect

• promoting or enhancing well-being

• agreeable or pleasing

• of moral excellence

• having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

• thorough

• with or in a close or intimate relationship

• financially safe

• most suitable or right for a particular purpose

• resulting favorably

• exerting force or influence

• capable of pleasing

• appealing to the mind

• in excellent physical condition

• tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health

• not forged

• not left to spoil

• generally admired

• (film) a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot