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

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
  • With thousands of such satellites up there, even engaging in amateur astronomy as a hobby — looking at the night sky through a telescope or binoculars — would suddenly become an extremely risky activity.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
  • While Hastings has turned his attention to hobbies like skiing since giving up his CEO role, Iger has developed a reputation for wanting to hang around as Disney's head honcho.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For most others, though, the Michelin pursuit is a non-negotiable, to borrow a term from The Bear.
    Laurie Woolever, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Now the pursuit of thrill seekers, subway surfing has picked up steam online, thanks in part to viral social media videos, with the activity having been adopted in big cities such as New York.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Together, their 33-piece collection is an expression of two Sohos, built around ideas of Americana, prep, and sport but anchored in traditional British flair; in short, the perfect fall capsule.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
  • But music has underscored the former Bronx Bomber’s journey from the beginning, its duet with sport carrying him to serious success in two disciplines that seem impossible to align.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These figures are based on tourism impact calculators measuring lodging, dining, retail and recreation spending in Bentonville.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The new buildings are designed to create a resort-like atmosphere where boat owners can work, work out or enjoy two separate bayside recreation areas.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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