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 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 Carter’s new avocation as an end-of-life doula is an outgrowth of the more than 15 years the Detroit native has spent doing hospice work in her free time. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • But introducing a new hobby to my routine in my 30s was no small thing.
    Lia Picard, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Interest in sourdough bread baking spiked during the pandemic when people stuck at home took up new hobbies, but recently began riding a new wave even before Swift’s enthusiastic endorsement.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The pursuit ended near Frye and McQueen roads, where the man's vehicle collided with a white Jeep, police said.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • This alignment with prosocial AI isn't coincidental — both frameworks recognize that unchecked pursuit of efficiency or profit can lead to societal harm.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • High school sports are in full swing across the state.
    Freep.com, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Volpe has been one of the sport’s least valuable players this season.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The rising tide of active Americans is lifting the boats of the recreation sector.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The following recreation sites and Forest Service roads are temporarily closed for fire personnel and public safety.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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