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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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 In 1969, Native Americans occupied Alcatraz Island, off San Francisco, and held it until 1971. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The Collab currently occupies the spot that was once chef Niven Patel’s Orno. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 The new space, occupying a compact 323 square feet at 30 Galerie de Montpensier across from the Jardin du Palais Royal, will open on October 18 with an exhibition of work by mixed-media collage artist Deborah Roberts. — News Desk, Artforum, 14 Oct. 2026 The company appears to be one of the town's biggest white-collar employers, occupying at least four building blocks in the town. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy

Verb

The serious question of, frankly, human survival did not seem to interest them at all.

— Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Cranor said a person’s risk depends on how often they are targeted, their security habits, their ability to recognize suspicious messages, and whether the lure really interests them.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

Federal law enforcement had launched more than 100 investigations into crimes in which Tren de Aragua members are involved, as of late 2024, according to an NBC report.

— Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The character was killed in a helicopter crash in Amritsar, Indian that also involved the Indian Prime Minister.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

When Brazilian pop star Giulia Be first saw a photo of Conor Kennedy, she was immediately intrigued.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
His decade spent working in sci-fi and his upbringing in his British seaside town of Bridlington had Heaton instantly intrigued.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

From there, Moton was onto the hospital and immersed in a medical odyssey.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Inspired by Ektachrome, a color-reversal film stock widely used during the 1970s, this presentation allows viewers to immerse themselves into the vivid colors and style of the 1973 Easter Island landscape.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

That’s certainly how Republicans busied themselves in the last two years of the Biden administration, when Hunter Biden got more airtime than pharmaceutical ads.

— Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2026
After busying ourselves with fly fishing on the Snake River, rafting, horseback riding and touring Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, there hasn’t been much time for reflection.

— Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of busy

Verb

The reaction to this movie fascinates me, starting in Cannes.

— Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
In 2008, passionate surfer Tim Russo purchased the property, renamed it, and set out to organically grow it into a resort full of wonder where serious surfers and travelers fascinated with the surf lifestyle could vacation happily.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

Others cited recruitment challenges – almost four in ten said attracting top talent is harder in Europe than in the US.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The short has also attracted interest from educators, veterans’ organisations (RAF Benevolent Fund), and community groups, many of whom have requested screenings and discussions.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of attract

Verb

Boasting an improved rocket motor for extended range, the new interceptor is built to engage hypersonic glide vehicles and advanced aerial threats.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026
Speed, range, guidance performance, and testing results will help determine how effectively the interceptor can engage aerial threats.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of engage

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occupies

occupy

occupying

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“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupy

verb

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