avocations

noun

plural of avocation
as in pursuits
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 avocations Unlike in fields where avocations have to replace callings, academic retirees go on to pen as many articles and books as decline permits. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocations
  1. pursuits
  2. hobbies
  3. sports
Noun
  • The department maintains an early intervention system that flags officers based on risk factors, such as a relatively high volume of civilian complaints, frequent use of force, and involvement in preventable traffic collisions or pursuits.
    — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Reflecting on what her late husband might have thought about Luu's investing pursuits, Nguyen paused for a moment, holding a slight smile.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of pursuits
Noun
  • During the pandemic, millions of Americans took up new hobbies to pass the time; some baked sourdough loaves, others took up the ukulele or guitar.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • My heart is not in it, my kids are my life, my work supports us and fulfills me, along with hobbies.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of hobbies
Noun
  • Previously announced under the title Shaolin Women’s Soccer, the Hong Kong-China co-production reworks the original film’s martial-arts-meets-scrappy-sports-team premise around an all-female squad of underdogs.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Still, Weingardt would love to see sports properties allow their fans to continue tinkering, within reason.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sports

Browse Nearby Words

avocational
avocations
avoid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avocations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocations. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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