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 The apartment occupies the first floor of the original 19th-century house, offering high ceilings, large reception rooms, views toward Kensington Palace, and an original fireplace. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026 But around five years ago, the writer David Jacob Kramer and photographer Michael Schmelling set out to find the homes still standing in NorCal, and the people still occupying them, half a century on. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 Cheaper feature phones can come with quality and compatibility issues, while intentionally minimalist devices can occupy a much more expensive end of the market. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026 Cheaper feature phones can come with quality and compatibility limitations, while intentionally minimalist devices can occupy a much more expensive end of the market. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupy

Verb

And that the practice of science was something that really interested me.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Certain details, such as a lost footnote that only exists in a single edition of the volume as a handwritten addendum, interest him greatly.

— Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

Some of these moments involve Ned’s imperfect yet still undeniably loving rapport with his son.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Still, Beck didn’t seem to want to talk, in private or in the media, about having grown up as the child of a successful music-industry hustler — much less one who was so proudly and publicly involved with a controversial religious movement.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

They’re already immersed in the conversations your audience has every day.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
During the war, Pavese immersed himself in Greek tragedy, as well as the anthropological writings of Frazer and Lévy-Bruhl, Freud on childhood and the narrative technique of dreams, and Jung on the archetypes of the collective unconscious.

— Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

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
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

Definition of busy

Verb

So that fascinated me, the fact that these fields were somehow kind of edgy in terms of our definition of the scientific method and so on.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
What fascinates me most isn't simply whether Wagner can squeeze 621 miles out of this massive battery.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

According to the original invitation, photos and video recording were not permitted, a move intended to keep everyone engaged.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Awareness helps users engage thoughtfully with content and services, and being able to parse what’s authentic and what isn’t is a key part of this.

— Will Jones, Sacbee.com, 22 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupy

verb

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