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
  • Usher and Tom Brady Two titans in their respective professions, Usher and Brady were photographed near each other at the Gritti Palace Hotel.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Their professions range from sales representatives to community coaches, and Auckland’s winnings of roughly €4 million ($4.5 million) from the Club World Cup—peanuts to elite clubs—is a fortune for an entity and federation not used to dealing in such sums.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 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
  • Ben scrapes by as a none-too-gracious DoorDash delivery driver, among other odd jobs; Jordan may have a vocation as a photographer, but needs to apply himself.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • My grandmother found her vocation within the surrounding and seemingly infinite national forestland, and after helping at the family-run tavern and serving his country in World War II, my grandfather built handcrafted fishing rods.
    Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 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
  • In the past, foundational technology shifts have led to greater employment as new sectors and businesses were born.
    MoneyShow, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • If Trump’s policy ultimately stands, children born in the U.S. whose parents are undocumented immigrants or visa holders could be left stateless, denied passports, Social Security numbers and access to education or employment.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Unlike countries that offer a path to permanent residency through investment or long-term stays, Slovenia is not (yet) courting expats looking to settle down permanently.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • His order would not affect children born to U.S. citizens or people with legal permanent residency.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Small-scale research provides a sense of how larger-scale processes work, which are much more difficult to measure.
    Sarah Boon June 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
  • As described in a press release, the currently untitled work is set to give readers an unfiltered look into the Dipset co-founder’s rise from the streets of Harlem to the top of the rap game, and his evolution into a respected media personality, fashion figure, and businessman.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 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 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on occupation

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