avocation

noun

ˌa-və-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce avocation (audio)
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
  1. hobby
  2. pursuit
  3. sport
  4. recreation
Noun
  • And staying socially and mentally engaged by participating in hobbies, learning new skills, and maintaining relationships with family and friends are all ways to keep the body and brain active.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The company said creators are increasingly introducing consumers to gardening, backyard poultry and other hands-on hobbies.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hobby
Noun
  • Social media video captured an unconventional pursuit in Los Angeles over the weekend, when a runaway pig led a wild chase through the streets of West Hollywood before it was finally captured.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His reinstatement as judge after Assad was toppled and fled the country for Russia in December 2024 is an illustration of the country’s pursuit of transitional justice.
    — Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of pursuit
Noun
  • Elise Devlin asked that question of several sports figures, including Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The United States has seen a steep decline in gambling over the past decade, a surprising result given the proliferation of online sports betting.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sport
Noun
  • Her 2027 budget proposal would shutter a neighborhood library in Dayton’s Bluff, while cutting hours at recreation centers across the city.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The structure will support water treatment, utilities, recreation, commercial facilities, and other essential services within the development.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of recreation

Browse Nearby Words

avidness
avocation
avocational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on avocation

Nglish: Translation of avocation for Spanish Speakers

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