OCCUPYING Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

occupying

verb

present participle of occupy

as in interesting

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 occupying Work to address the track-circuit issue — in which the signal system erroneously reports a train occupying a section of track — was underway. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026 After occupying fashion and media conversations since its release on Monday, the inaugural men’s style issue of New York Magazine was toasted properly on Tuesday evening with a celebratory dinner. — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 An installation by Polish artist Alicja Kwade occupying a space outside Tai Kwun Contemporary in Hong Kong was found to have been damaged on September 20, according to the Hong Kong Standard. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 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 New Order is also a term for the Nazis' plan for occupying Europe. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 Reporting such a poll during a presidential and congressional election year is speech about a matter of public concern, occupying the summit of the pyramid of First Amendment values. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026 The Chiefs marched 70 yards in 12 plays to finish off that drive, occupying nearly half the quarter before Mahomes found Xavier Worthy for a 1-yard touchdown. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 Seydoux is arresting, especially as David discovers that occupying a woman’s body means being perceived—and desired—differently; Schneider is equally compelling as the film’s game of selves grows more labyrinthine. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying

Verb

Our formula is based on the universal pleasure of solving a mystery, immersing oneself in an adventure, identifying with inspiring characters, and sharing that sense of liberation so characteristic of adolescence.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Short-term corrosion testing involved immersing the lattice in natural seawater from Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of immersing

Verb

The female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Definition of intriguing

Verb

One breakthrough leading into that period of acclaim was Ferrer’s 1968 guerrilla action involving driving 87 bushels of fall leaves from Philadelphia to New York in a pickup truck, and scattering them in front of art institutions.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Hamilton’s campaign, in response, said Marshall was lying about the ad and called on the Republican senator to release all records in the case involving his former patient.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of involving

Verb

Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.

— Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025

Definition of fascinating

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
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

Definition of busying

Verb

In Ohio, Husted has been repeatedly attacked for his role in attracting data centers to Ohio as lieutenant governor.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Model design Commercial dating platforms such as Bumble generate revenue through subscriptions and paid features, giving them a financial interest in attracting, converting and retaining paying users.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of attracting

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occupy

occupying

occur

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“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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