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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • The devices, Tisch said at a Saturday news conference, were smaller than a football and appeared to be a jar wrapped in black tape that contained nuts, bolts, and screws, along with a hobby fuse that could be lit.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Bolts, screws and a powerful explosive Both devices recovered Saturday were slightly smaller than footballs and appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape containing bolts, screws and a hobby fuse, Tisch said, citing the NYPD bomb squad’s preliminary analysis.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • According to police, Matuszewski allegedly engaged police in a pursuit, driving recklessly and failing to stay his lane.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The possibility of embracing al fresco living via these outdoor kitchen ideas is an exciting pursuit; consider options like firing up the grilling station, utilizing a stylish pizza oven, or enjoying a meal under a pergola along with friends and family.
    Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Recycling sports equipment not only keeps it out of landfills, but reduces the need for new equipment to be manufactured, Clarkin said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Open positions include detention officer, recreation supervisor, certified medical assistant, psychiatrist, shift supervisor, assistant shift supervisor, master scheduler, locksmith, maintenance worker and human resource assistant.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Officials proposed an addition to the recreation center that would include three different aquatic features, including a 25-yard pool featuring six to eight lanes for lap swimming, a warm water pool for fitness, therapy and swim lessons and a splash pad with slides.
    Alicia Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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