Thesaurus results for AVOCATION

avocation

noun

ˌa-və-ˈkā-shən

Definition of avocation

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 Retired from her long vocation as a research chemist, Schafer, at 81, remains on the job with her avocations. — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for avocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation

Noun

The trend toward treating it as a celebrity hobby or a passion project is symptomatic of the current wider social phobia of experts and intellectuals.

— Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Greg’s colleagues from over the years describe him as fiercely competitive, not just with work projects but also with hobbies like running and weight lifting.

— Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of hobby

Noun

For more physical pursuits, the hotel has a nine-hole golf course and driving range, as well as three tennis courts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Christine Grimm, Founder of Aria Consulting International & Master Coach, guides leaders in the pursuit of sustainable growth and change.

— Christine Grimm, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of pursuit

Noun

Demand for grading — an act of verifying a card’s authenticity and condition — has grown as collectors increasingly treat trading and vintage sports cards as alternative investments.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Fifty years on, the sports watch has been reimagined many times and remains highly coveted by collectors.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of sport

Noun

Dubai wants to be a ‘20-minute city,’ where every resident can reach work, shops, and recreation within a short cycle or walk.

— Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
The parks and recreation department used the building from the mid-1990s until 2002, when the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin opened.

— Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of recreation

Browse Nearby Words

avidness

avocation

avocational

See all Nearby Words

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“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of avocation

noun

Example Sentences

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