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 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 collectibles industry, once a niche hobby, has boomed since the pandemic with the help of marketing that emphasizes huge potential monetary wins.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The late rapper helped turn his hobby into a full-fledged music career, leading him to later sign with Interscope Records.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Formerly, Christians were taught that greed--that is, the immoderate pursuit and love of money--was a sin.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The pursuit of responsiveness also extends beyond the mechanical hardware.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The cosmonauts plonked down on November 19th, 1965 in the Midlands market town of Rugby, a cultural backwater best known for the sport, the school, and wartime poet Rupert Brooke, in that order.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Some markets are allowing individuals to express views on economic, political or business outcomes, while others hone in on sports, entertainment and pop culture events.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Kannapolis also has a parks and recreation bond referendum for $40 million plus interest.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The city also saw major residential growth, including a 412-home subdivision and plans for 1,000 apartments, along with new hotel and recreation developments.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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