as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure photography is merely an avocation for me—I've never tried to make money off of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of avocation Dramatically groaning and moaning about the heat in the summer is my avocation. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024 Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 Today, cooking has become a major generational avocation and source of pride. Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • And this year, even collectors nostalgic for the early days of the hobby, before social media and investment watches entered the picture, said the vibe felt just right.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Whether that puts your eyes onto your career and public image, your personal connections, or even a new hobby or interest, let this encourage you to lead full force in that direction with vulnerability and inspiration.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Though there is some variety to what makes a DA story, they're typically set in schools, feature a moody atmosphere and center a mystery or the protagonist’s pursuit of knowledge (think movies like Dead Poet’s Society or TV shows like Wednesday).
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The charges against Comey came even as prosecutors in the office had written a memo detailing concerns about the pursuit of an indictment and their likelihood of success at trial.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her love for journalism began with taking freelance sports photos for her local newspaper, The Fulton Sun, during high school, and her involvement with multiple school publications.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • All That Matters, which began as a music conference, and has grown to encompass sports, gaming, web3, marketing and content, is celebrating its 20th edition this year.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Tennessee finished 22nd in entertainment and recreation and 20th in nightlife, though.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds, Thorpe Park.
    Staff reports, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on avocation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!