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
  • Other youth talents, like Tommy Marques, are also expected to leave, potentially paving the way for new signings like Rodri, as Deco balances sales with transfer pursuits.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The term is often used to describe unauthorized pursuits where police officers do not activate their vehicles’ sirens or lights, in an attempt to avoid scrutiny.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of pursuits
Noun
  • The assumption underneath is that intelligence works like a muscle and that hobbies are the reps.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Outside of acting, Keen, who’s been open about struggling with school because of ADHD and dyslexia, has accumulated many hobbies.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of hobbies
Noun
  • There’s messy play, yoga, and cooking for the little ones, go-karting, football, and water sports for the older ones.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, Vamos from Italy is a sports dramedy from Berlinale Talents 2026 participant and American Film Institute alumnus Fabrizio Muscia.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sports

Browse Nearby Words

avocational
avocations
avoid
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Cite this Entry

“Avocations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocations. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on avocations

Nglish: Translation of avocations for Spanish Speakers

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