as in to interest
to hold the attention of
a puzzle will occupy that child for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Older rentals also tend to be occupied by young families who may not be able to afford moving into a newer, safer rental or purchasing their own home yet, Davis said.
—
Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
The future of Ukrainian land that Russia occupies or still covets is a central issue.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
As the Nazis occupied Poland and Czechoslovakia, Jews were rounded up in Ghettos and sent to camps.
—Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Lost with all these affordable housing units are the small local businesses that often occupy street-level stores.
—Roberta Brandes Gratz, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occupy
Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
The future of Ukrainian land that Russia occupies or still covets is a central issue.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
As the Nazis occupied Poland and Czechoslovakia, Jews were rounded up in Ghettos and sent to camps.
—Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Lost with all these affordable housing units are the small local businesses that often occupy street-level stores.
—Roberta Brandes Gratz, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy
Verb
-
These are the problems that most interest the complexity theorist Henry Yuen.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Also consider local hiking groups, fitness classes, or dance classes—and don't be afraid to try a few different things to find what most interests you.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In response, Walz issued an executive order activating cyber-security specialists from the Minnesota National Guard, and the FBI and private consultants quickly became involved.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
12 Feb. 2026
-
For this, researchers in Dortmund University are significantly involved in the EU research project ODYSSEV.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Epibatidine intrigued researchers for decades and was once highly sought after as a potential analgesic many times more powerful than morphine.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Hopefully, there’s a spot that intrigues you.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Shelby has traveled to Iceland, Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and more, immersing herself in each fashion market, respectively.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Drawing from her own experience as someone from Malaysia who grew up immersed in Singaporean culture before moving to the city-state, Yeo found personal resonance in her character’s search for home.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The song vamps where Railings used to weave and wind, its ever-busying rhythm section building tension atop its harmonic simplicity.—
Craig Heed,
Pitchfork,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The department has also busied itself in Minneapolis with prosecuting residents opposed to what federal officials are doing in their city and immigrants trying to flee their pursuers, a tactic seen in other cities targeted for immigration enforcement.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This is Taymor’s first production to embark on a national tour, and she’s been fascinated by the range of audience responses.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
From legal aspirations to a life of art As a girl, I was fascinated by color, texture and creative expressions.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The summer season will surely attract more families with young kids, but unlike other New England coastal destinations, the main draw in Mystic is not the beach—though there are a few solid options for sun and sand nearby.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Tech giants are attracted to the large, tech-forward customer base that India presents as well as the huge pool of engineering talent.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Comfortable ride quality, engaging acceleration, and a simple, practical interior are complemented by excellent visibility, making the Leaf an exceptional journeyman’s EV.—
Cyril Soliman,
The Drive,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Like humming, gargling engages muscles connected to the vagus nerve.—
Chloe Burcham,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupy. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
