OCCUPY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

occupy

verb

ˈä-kyə-ˌpī

Definition of occupy

as in to interest

to hold the attention of a puzzle will occupy that child for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 occupy Israel invaded Lebanon and has since occupied a large swath of its south. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Instead, the building is listed as being occupied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to one source familiar with the project who was not authorized to speak publicly. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection One of the most luxurious new hotels to open in Florence, Collegio alla Querce occupies a former boarding school in Le Cure, a residential neighborhood 15 minutes from the centro storico. — Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 Kafwaya was killed during a police raid on a house occupied by opposition leaders following the August election. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy

Verb

What interests me in Zumthor’s architecture is not simply beauty or contemplation.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
Your three films to date reveal you as a filmmaker interested in structure.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

The answer involves a legendary designer, an Italian coachbuilder, a very wealthy American dream, a 16-year restoration, and a car that was apparently too outrageous even for Cadillac's golden age.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
De La Cruz was involved in a sparkling defensive play in the bottom of the inning.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

Since Simpson was drafted out of Georgia Tech in 2022, Mottola wanted Rays minor-league coaches to refrain from making any changes, intrigued to see how far the unique skill set could take him.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2026
The dentists Allure spoke with were on the whole intrigued and/or impressed by the CameraJet.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

Pal Ulvik Rokseth’s gritty cinematography, featuring the sort of muted color palette endemic to historical dramas of this type (there was apparently no sunshine until at least the 18th century), fully immerses you in the action.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
For the past eight months, Michigan players have been immersed in The Whittingham Way.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

Ruston anticipates Loco Coyote to be open Wednesday through Sundays, so locals can enjoy a few weekdays before the tourist crowd busies the restaurant during the weekends.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Gourmands have plenty to visit around the island, from harvesters of fleur de sel, to producers of wine and the local pineau spirit, to busy oyster farms.

— Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

Definition of busy

Verb

In a California town called Anzar in the late-19th century, Paulette is living with a local magnate’s eccentric son who’s fascinated by the tramps gathering outside his manor.

— Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Here are four more scammers who fascinated people on the internet – plus one who people thought was a scammer but turned out not to be.

— Owen Carry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

The case has attracted attention because Wisconsin courts have not fully resolved whether the public may walk along Great Lakes beaches below the ordinary high-water mark.

— Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Maxwel Cornet, whose last competitive outing for West Ham was against Crystal Palace in April 2024, failed to attract interest.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of attract

Verb

That broke Bayern apart, with Dayot Upamecano desperately stepping forward to engage Doue, leaving a massive gap in behind for Kvaratskhelia to exploit.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The signatories committed to remain collectively engaged and to review progress together.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of engage

Browse Nearby Words

occupies

occupy

occupying

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Style

“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupy. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupy

verb

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