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

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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 Filming, food festivals, charity events and community programming now occupy days that once sat empty on the calendar. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 Ballou’s Restaurant and Wine Bar occupied the space for 15 years before closing in 2024. — Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 The search for the fifth, or even the battle for a fifth, will occupy our attention over the next month. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026 And while there are still comic artists and writers at small tables signing and sketching, and dealers selling original art out of binders in crates, a good chunk of the space is occupied by media and toy companies, trying to outdo one another. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy

Verb

What interests me is this idea of hybridity—where human infrastructure and natural systems become entangled.

— Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
The cliche of getting involved in activities that interest you where other people might go is actually a good idea.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 25 July 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

Video clips of Guarino performing the Endo One procedure — which involves repeatedly stabbing the skin with a thin, cylindrical rod, releasing a red laser — are posted regularly on his and EvoSkin’s Instagram accounts.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
The researchers were unable to determine if both incidents involved the same orcas.

— Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

Spikerman, a third-round pick from 2024, intrigued other teams because of his strong defense in center field and some offensive improvements this season.

— Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2026
If this topic intrigues you, join us at the free, online Work on Purpose Summit on July 30, 2026.

— Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

The Cinerama Dome opened in 1963 with its famous 86-foot-wide, panoramic screen that’s designed to immerse audiences in the viewing experience.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 22 July 2026
Visitors can also immerse themselves in Bluegrass State life with a farm stay at Sultan’s Hideaway.

— Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 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

Without an incumbent or clear frontrunner, the states that vote first could once again play an outsized role in determining which candidates gain momentum, attract donors and emerge as viable contenders.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Juliana’s death has attracted widespread attention on social media with speculation that she may have been lynched.

— Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

Definition of attract

Verb

While many brands, from Marc Jacobs to the WWE, are currently testing the microdrama waters to engage consumers in new ways, The Daily Show appears to be distinguishing itself by tapping into the format’s comedic possibilities.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Air defenses may have to detect, track, prioritize, and engage dozens of incoming objects at once.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of engage

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occupies

occupy

occupying

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Style

“Occupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupy. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupy

verb

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