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 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 Today, cooking has become a major generational avocation and source of pride. Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • Often referred to as micro collections in the design world, these sentimental pieces can center around a specific style or period of art, an animal motif, a hobby, whimsical antiques — anything that brings the homeowner delight.
    Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • While working full-time as an executive assistant, Caswell started experimenting with baking her own cakes as a hobby.
    Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Speed Skating 500m and Team Pursuit will also give medals in speed skating sprint distances (including the men’s 500m and women’s 500m) on February 10, with team pursuit finals to follow later in the Games.
    Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Often, his philosophy of life, his vaunted pursuit of happiness, anchored his letter.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Banks were urged to expand credit to service-consumption firms and allow eligible companies in culture, tourism, education, sports and household services to raise funds through bond issuance.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Medal reallocations have historically surfaced after doping or other cheating cases, but Chiles’ dispute centered on an apparent error by the International Gymnastics Federation, the sport’s governing body.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Toros Sport Complex qualifies as an indoor recreation and event space of 5,000 square feet or more.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Both the recreation center and senior center are closed.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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