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 Under the injunction, transgender people can use single-stall restrooms that align with their gender identity, or multi-stall options when there is no single-stall option on the same floor, or that option is occupied or out of order. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026 The restaurant occupies a compact space that serves customers from a takeout counter, with picnic tables outside for eating. — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 17 July 2026 The question then comes down to which of these two camps Venezuela and Cuba currently occupy. — José Kaire, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 On Sportico’s list of the 50 most valuable soccer teams in the world, MLS clubs occupy 18 spots, more than any league. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy

Verb

And generally, that algorithm does remarkably well at predicting which videos will interest particular users.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026
So, this obsession with efficiency – with the bottom line – doesn’t interest me at all.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

On August 18, Trump bought at least $250,000 in stock in two defense contractors involved in producing components of the F-22 Raptor jet – RTX and Boeing – as well as at least $100,000 in stock in a third, Northrop Grumman.

— Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Scientists not involved in the study praised it but also offered some reasons to be cautious.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

So when Sandra, who wanted to protect her identity for privacy reasons, heard about a new injectable body contouring product last summer, she was intrigued.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
The Coupr technology, however, intrigued the grocery chain’s president.

— Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

The show finds the comedian bonding with famous sports figures while immersed in tubs filled with ice, which brings an uncomfortable comedic urgency to their chats.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 July 2026
From food and activities to the overarching culture, players had the opportunity to be immersed in locals’ everyday go-tos.

— Zuri Primos July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

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
While their fellow Plums busied themselves with bridal parties and wedding cakes, these girls had political awakenings.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026

Definition of busy

Verb

But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Academics have long been fascinated by Messi’s behaviour, particularly his cognitive skills.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

South Korean markets are closed for a public holiday, so stocks like Softbank and TSMC have attracted the most intense selling.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 July 2026
State officials say the legislation is intended to attract companies developing next-generation energy technologies.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

Definition of attract

Verb

Surface-to-air missiles, radar networks, and anti-aircraft weapons are intended to detect and engage hostile aircraft, drones, and certain incoming munitions.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
The law requires only one member of the search committee to be a faculty member, but that doesn’t limit the board from engaging more faculty members in the process to get a wider array of feedback.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupy

verb

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