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 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 And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • When asked about its hobbies, the robot's list went from doing sports and dancing to studying technology and listening to music.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • People move, get married (or divorced), change jobs, have kids, and take up new hobbies.
    Jarrod Martin, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Video uploaded to social media shows Peralta speeding through the neighborhood with an NYPD squad car in pursuit.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The pursuit crossed into Frederick County, Maryland, where police said Leatherman was driving 120 mph at times.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On the latest episode of Eye on the U, Miami Herald Hurricanes beat writer Jordan McPherson and deputy sports editor Andre Fernandez talk a myriad of topics surrounding the Hurricanes.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Adeli, who didn’t win the ticket lottery to attend one of Iran's two Los Angeles-area matches, said the World Cup should be a moment to enjoy the sport without outside distractions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Large, connected ecosystems help protect drinking water supplies, reduce flooding and support agriculture, recreation and tourism.
    Sarah Lockhart, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Others emphasized that customers rely on hemp products for far more than recreation.
    Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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