Thesaurus results for AVOCATION

avocation

noun

ˌa-və-ˈkā-shən

Definition of avocation

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

Noun

That’s when physical media curation stopped looking like a hobby for obsessive enthusiasts and more like emotional insurance.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
While birdwatching typically refers to casually observing birds, birding is a more intentional and accessible hobby focused on identifying species and learning about their behavior.

— Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of hobby

Noun

During the pursuit, police said Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.

— Lucas Finton, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Furthermore, current jobs, even if not ideal, can fund these personal pursuits, fostering a positive outlook that ultimately aids career progression.

— Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of pursuit

Noun

Friends and family gathered on Monday to celebrate the life of former WJZ reporter and sports anchor Stan Saunders, who died on Friday, June 26.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Although in American sports, this level of candour from superstar players standing up for themselves is less unusual.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of sport

Noun

Residents raised concerns about heavy truck traffic, and negative impacts on property values, outdoor recreation spaces, trees and wildlife.

— Mars King, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026
But district officials plan to keep their promise to the state and residents to develop the property for recreation.

— Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026

Definition of recreation

Browse Nearby Words

avidness

avocation

avocational

See all Nearby Words

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“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of avocation

noun

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