as in to interest
to hold the attention of
a puzzle will occupy that child for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of occupy
The property occupies a sizable 6,600-square-foot lot.
—
Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
The hearings will look at Israel’s obligations, both as a member of the United Nations and as an occupying power, toward the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
—Eugenia Yosef and Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Last spring, Harvard students protesting Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza occupied the university's central courtyard for 20 days and staged a 24-hour sit-in in another building.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
The Israeli Defense Forces now claim to occupy some 30% of Gaza territory.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occupy
Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
The hearings will look at Israel’s obligations, both as a member of the United Nations and as an occupying power, toward the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
—Eugenia Yosef and Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Last spring, Harvard students protesting Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza occupied the university's central courtyard for 20 days and staged a 24-hour sit-in in another building.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
The Israeli Defense Forces now claim to occupy some 30% of Gaza territory.
—Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy
Verb
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Terrible track in a city that has nothing that interests me.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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Which extracurricular activities interest you most?—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Not everyone is able to take the risks involved in making underground films.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal; Erin Jensen, USA TODAY Gambling involves risk.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Whether you’re drawn to the story of the Titanic, intrigued by the legacy of The Troubles, or simply want to soak up the buzz of a city rapidly reinventing itself, Belfast delivers one of the most thought-provoking port days in the British Isles.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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One team that intrigues me: UC Santa Barbara, coming off a couple of slightly down years under Joe Pasternack, now boasting the No. 3 mid-major transfer class per EvanMiya.com. That includes former UConn (and Saint Mary’s) point guard Aidan Mahaney and former Baylor (and Utah) guard Miro Little.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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To his credit, Shepard took the entire situation on that January Armchair Expert episode in stride, even showing off his blue elephant-print boxers to the cameras to properly immerse the audience in the experience.—
Emlyn Travis,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
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The Panorama, a temporary exhibition in place while the Pergamon Museum, one of the six buildings on the island, undergoes renovation, immerses visitors in an enormous artwork that depicts the ancient city of Pergamon in 129 A.D.—
Valeriya Safronova,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Felix Studios/Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Active guests will find plenty to busy themselves with, including opportunities to fish, kayak, paddleboard, and even scuba dive.—
Jason Chau,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2025
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In addition to helping customers with their plant selections, Mejia also rings them up at the register and then busies herself with tidying and organizing the shop.—
Karla Marie Sanford,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Rather than being terrified or trying to kill her, Ravi is fascinated by her unusual condition.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2025
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Emery was fascinated by former Real Sociedad striker Roberto Lopez Ufarte, analysing the specific movements and craftsmanship in his game.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Your knowledge, combined with a strategic LinkedIn profile, creates a combination that attracts ideal clients who value substance over style.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The small tubular blooms are produced in showy clusters that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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He is known for his engaging storytelling and commitment to delivering impactful news coverage.—
Alecia Reid,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
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Mercury Having worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition – into engaging, accessible content.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupy. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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