Definition of avocationnext
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

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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 These avocations can take many shapes—traveling, golf, time with family, snowboarding, knitting, hunting, gardening, fishing, church choir, college football, crossword puzzles, theater, cycling, and walking. Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South. Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • No longer a niche hobby, the paper describes circular practices are a growing part of how consumers navigate everyday economic pressures.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
  • The wide out's love of horses goes far beyond a hobby, too.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • His pursuit of those goals continues this summer, when Mora can become only the eighth 17-year-old to play in the World Cup, and the youngest ever for Mexico.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • The combination of vivid landscapes, attractions and activities, and cultural pursuits makes Samaná a unique destination that continues to gain ground on the world tourism map.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • All of the ducks don festive attire during holidays and big New England sports events.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • The United States is hosting the World Cup for the first time in more than 30 years, and organizations and businesses in Metro Detroit are making sure sports fans have a place to watch the competition.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Today, Hot Springs is home to Hot Springs National Park, where historic bathhouses and mountain trails continue to attract tourists seeking relaxation, outdoor recreation and a connection to the area’s natural history.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • One of the largest shares of the city’s overall spending is directed toward public safety across various departments, with other significant funding directed toward neighborhood services — which includes housing, libraries, parks, recreation, and planning.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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