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 intermediary Today, Sánchez Arveláiz occupies a position that defies traditional labels.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
As both Pilate and Herod acknowledged, in different versions of the story, Jesus had done nothing to deserve death, under the laws of the Jews or of the Romans who occupied and ruled the Holy Land at the time.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
Today, five are regularly occupied and a sixth will be put into full rotation with additional surgical staff arriving.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
James Uthmeier is the least qualified person to occupy the office of Florida attorney general in decades.
—Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occupy
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
As both Pilate and Herod acknowledged, in different versions of the story, Jesus had done nothing to deserve death, under the laws of the Jews or of the Romans who occupied and ruled the Holy Land at the time.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
Today, five are regularly occupied and a sixth will be put into full rotation with additional surgical staff arriving.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
James Uthmeier is the least qualified person to occupy the office of Florida attorney general in decades.
—Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy
Verb
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For eight minutes, the astronauts are free to focus on any surface features or patterns that interest them.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
6 Apr. 2026
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If Native American sites interest you, continue eight miles down the road to the Newark Earthworks, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2023.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Arrizurieta said getting involved in the community is crucial.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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The family says the three dogs involved in the attack have been euthanized.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the same time, Maul is also intrigued by the prospect of recruiting a new apprentice, a Jedi Padawan named Devon.—
Rafael Motamayor,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2026
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When Reverend Jeff Hood — a spiritual advisor who accompanies men on death row — reached out to him on Facebook, though, he was intrigued.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There's a headphone jack for wired headphones, to really immerse yourself like you time-warped back to a scene from Stranger Things, plus the cassette player can rewind and fast-forward to a fave song for that true tactile action.—
Shirl Leigh
April 06,
New Atlas,
6 Apr. 2026
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The older two initially resist their parents’ appeals to immerse themselves in nature, but the youngest, who is mute, explores the area and finds a magical tree inhabited by a group of extraordinary characters.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Another busied himself writing and rewriting the mundane information on his slate.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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Emma shook her head and busied herself with picking up her waders.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The cause of brain freeze fascinates neurologists and Slurpee lovers alike, and the science behind it is especially captivating.—
Julia Daye,
Popular Science,
2 Apr. 2026
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Despite being so vocal, Cudi still retains a mystique quality that fascinates fans.—
Kailyn Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Many of the low-rise apartment blocks are only partially filled, often not by miners but by people attracted to cheap housing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
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When workers are scarce, firms have to offer higher wages to attract and keep them.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And one of our main missions is to engage that community and mobilize them as a voting block.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
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The summit will explore how the two worlds connect – from adapting digital IP into cinematic projects and scouting emerging talent, to engaging audiences that drive communities to theaters and exploring innovative marketing strategies.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupy. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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