Synonym Chooser

How does the noun occupation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of occupation are business, calling, employment, métier, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

In what contexts can business take the place of occupation?

While in some cases nearly identical to occupation, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When can calling be used instead of occupation?

The words calling and occupation can be used in similar contexts, but calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When might employment be a better fit than occupation?

While the synonyms employment and occupation are close in meaning, employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When is it sensible to use métier instead of occupation?

The words métier and occupation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

Where would pursuit be a reasonable alternative to occupation?

The synonyms pursuit and occupation are sometimes interchangeable, but pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When would work be a good substitute for occupation?

Although the words work and occupation have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 occupation Twenty years of occupation of Southern Lebanon led to high Israeli and Lebanese casualties and created the conditions that abetted Hezbollah’s rise to power. Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2025 Similar to the decline of traditional occupations in other countries, the average age of Japan’s tea farmers is 60+, and younger generations aren’t keen to take up the business. HubSpot, 20 June 2025 Israel is at its lowest standing among Arab nations due to its continued occupation of Palestinian land and what many leaders consider its genocidal prosecution of the war in Gaza, which leaves little room for diplomatic engagement beyond condemnation. Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 17 June 2025 Finally, sales and related occupations overall earn a median annual wage of $37,460 (as of May 2024). Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for occupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupation
Noun
  • Platforms like Stan empower freelancers from all kinds of professions and niches to monetize their expertise and diversify their business in new ways.
    Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • First described by David Dunning and Justin Kruger in 1999, the phenomenon is observed across various professions and fields of study.
    Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Geneva shows strong potential for short-term rentals, with 73% occupancy rates, daily rates of 127 euros and possible monthly revenue of 34,562 euros, per Airbtics.
    Johan Hajji, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Last year, the studios that operate the majority of stages in L.A. posted average occupancy rates of 63 percent, down from more than 93 percent from 2016 to 2022.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Elwood’s new vocation complete with tiny white square Roman Catholic collar is a totally logical third act in his life.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
  • By integrating care ethics into institutional frameworks, VSS can foster environments where individuals feel valued and connected, addressing the moral vocation of belonging in a world facing existential threats (registration required) like climate change.
    Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Europe and Japan will provide a larger habitation module to accommodate astronauts for up to 90 days, the United Arab Emirates has agreed to build an airlock to add spacewalking capability to the Gateway, and Canada is developing a robotic arm.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • On May 7, Gardner city officials declared the near 200-unit complex at 101 Aspen St. unfit for habitation because the deteriorating water infrastructure left tenants with unreliable and inconsistent water service.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Designed for an era of predictable employment and linear economic growth, the monthly salary once met the needs of both employers and workers.
    Arbia Smiti, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • However, today’s teens also face more competition for college and a heavier focus on academic and extracurricular achievements, hence the lower rates of employment among 16 and 19-year-olds.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • What’s on Noah Assad’s list of things to complete in the weeks leading up to July 11, the opening night of Bad Bunny’s historic 30-date residency at Coliseo de Puerto Rico?
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • Discussion about dismissing juror No. 6 began last week after the prosecution pointed out inconsistencies in statements regarding his residency.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Our healing, life-changing work would not have been possible without the wisdom of our 60-plus-person Braintrust.
    Asha Bandele, Essence, 25 June 2025
  • The physical, mental, and emotional work required of DSPs does not equal the current median pay rate and is ultimately contributing to employee burnout and turnover.
    Brian Cusack, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Occupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on occupation

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