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 focus will be soccer this week, but the team likely will look for some other pursuits away from the pitch, too.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 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 pursuits
Noun
  • Here are some of the players from the 2026 roster who are keeping the connection between soccer and music alive with their own careers and side hobbies as artists.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
  • Spending time with family and friends, participating in community activities, working, volunteering, pursuing hobbies and continuing to learn new skills all help keep the brain active.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of hobbies
Noun
  • Today, Fubo has best-in-class programming partnerships, innovative service offerings and preeminent live sports and entertainment content and is well positioned for the future.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2026
  • Times staff reporter Maddie Lee and deputy sports editor Ed Guzman contributed to this report.
    — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on avocations

Nglish: Translation of avocations for Spanish Speakers

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