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
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Example Sentences
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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
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
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Harvard Health Publishing reports findings from a 2023 study where participants with hobbies reported better health and higher life satisfaction than those who didn’t.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
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Looking at a motor from the inside At first glance, this may look like a simple hobby project.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Paintbox, the brand’s signature kid’s program, includes educational (animal print tracking) and active (obstacle courses) outdoor pursuits.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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However, rights groups say implementation, transparency in releases and broader reforms will determine its lasting impact on Venezuela’s pursuit of peace and democratic coexistence.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Spaniard believes that race weekend formats should be adjusted too, to allow drivers to prepare for the sport part of the weekend.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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The spa Treatments can be booked in the wellness suite, and outdoor sports are championed over indoor gym time.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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One of the most popular recreations is from Duff’s Today show performance, which creators imitate in detail, down to the shimmies of the audience.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
17 Feb. 2026
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After that, Spencer switched majors, earned her bachelor’s in recreation and leisure studies from Cal State Sacramento and began her new journey as an event coordinator and producer.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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