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
  • During a March City Council meeting, interim Police Chief Douglas Brinkley said Independence officers conducted 541 pursuits in 2025, compared with 137 by Kansas City police, The Kansas City Star reported.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • His later pursuits included work in children’s theater education and men’s fashion and owning a West Hollywood flower shop.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pursuits
Noun
  • Agents can also help people with hobbies and personal goals and interests by connecting agents to health and fitness apps, smart home devices and financial services.
    — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Assembling in public spaces to learn our hobbies or form or join existing guilds teaches not only patience and attention but how to have relationships.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of hobbies
Noun
  • The latest Chicago Media Report details plans by John Kass to end his online venture, Horace Grant's new sports talk show and where to watch the next Bears game.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In one, he's accused of using a sports betting company to launder fraudulent deductions from government pensions paid to senior citizens.
    — MATTHEW LEE, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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