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
  • However, the unsuccessful pursuits of Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, sagas that ended with both players staying at their Madrid clubs, Real and Atletico respectively, perhaps made acknowledgement of a couple of things.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For all his disparate pursuits, Elsesser revels in the small details, incapable of giving anything less than total dedication.
    — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of pursuits
Noun
  • Thrift shopping has become one of social media’s favorite hobbies—as has BookTok, which is essentially a community of TikTokers who love everything about books.
    — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
  • SheThePeople similarly identifies homemade bread baking as one of the slow-paced, hands-on hobbies gaining attention among Gen Z.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of hobbies
Noun
  • Every week, hundreds of thousands of people walk through the gates of stadiums and arenas, millions will gather in clubhouses, sports halls, gyms and community centres.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Baker’s been a visible presence on Capitol Hill since taking the reins at the NCAA in 2023, overseeing a sprawling network of sports from football and basketball to wrestling and volleyball.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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