as in interesting
to hold the attention of
a puzzle will occupy that child for hours
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Recent Examples of occupying
Toyota had the biggest presence, occupying an enormous space in one of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center’s exhibition halls, which is not surprising for the biggest automaker in the world by volume.
—
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
In recent weeks, several videos and images circulating on social media appear to show BASE jumpers leaping from El Capitan, unauthorized campers occupying closed areas and climbers scaling Half Dome’s cables without permits — all in violation of park regulations.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Canadians, for their part, deeply enjoy occupying this role in the collective continental imagination, and precious few liberal Americans follow through on their talk.
—Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
Indianapolis has essentially morphed into the Eagles from last year with Taylor occupying the Saquon Barkley role.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
After the search warrants were served, deputies reported one house in San Jose contained more than a dozen truckloads of Home Depot merchandise occupying hallways and closets from floor to ceiling.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
However, no businesses showed serious interest in occupying the building at that time.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The water of the deep lake is stratified, with a shallow layer of fresh rainwater occupying the upper 150 feet.
—Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Isak was one of five Liverpool players tasked with occupying defenders across the opposition back five, while Ryan Gravenberch — constantly looking to receive the ball between United’s pressing centre-forwards, turning, and driving into midfield — was the main supplier.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
In recent weeks, several videos and images circulating on social media appear to show BASE jumpers leaping from El Capitan, unauthorized campers occupying closed areas and climbers scaling Half Dome’s cables without permits — all in violation of park regulations.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Canadians, for their part, deeply enjoy occupying this role in the collective continental imagination, and precious few liberal Americans follow through on their talk.
—Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
Indianapolis has essentially morphed into the Eagles from last year with Taylor occupying the Saquon Barkley role.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
After the search warrants were served, deputies reported one house in San Jose contained more than a dozen truckloads of Home Depot merchandise occupying hallways and closets from floor to ceiling.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
However, no businesses showed serious interest in occupying the building at that time.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The water of the deep lake is stratified, with a shallow layer of fresh rainwater occupying the upper 150 feet.
—Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Isak was one of five Liverpool players tasked with occupying defenders across the opposition back five, while Ryan Gravenberch — constantly looking to receive the ball between United’s pressing centre-forwards, turning, and driving into midfield — was the main supplier.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying
Verb
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One of the main ways Crampton was able to persevere was by using her skills as a chef and immersing herself in nutrition to accelerate her recovery.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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The first campaign sees Doherty exploring and immersing himself within Jamaica’s vibrant culture alongside former Miss Universe Jamaica, Miqueal-Symone Williams.—
Kanika Talwar,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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New York has intriguing young outfielders in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer jones, but Bellinger was the team's second best player in the lineup this season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The series involving the false start is emblematic of a team in which small margins and communication breakdowns have become cumulative and fed a growing narrative about discipline and leadership in Miami.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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Even the film’s lighter moments tested Blunt’s limits — namely, a sequence involving the Gravitron fairground ride that left her physically ill.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Much like her idol Marlene Dietrich, Novak walked away from the business under her own steam, and has largely kept to herself, marrying an equine veterinarian and busying herself raising horses and painting.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Campton, New Hampshire, is also attracting travelers to New England with a mix of snowy outdoor adventures and seclusion for rest and relaxation.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Oct. 2025
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But attracting and training thousands more could take years.—
Elliot Haspel,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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