as in interesting
to hold the attention of
a puzzle will occupy that child for hours
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Recent Examples of occupying
Ditto the echoes of The Civil War, also examining a battle that pit brother against brother, and The Vietnam War, in which America became the occupying imperial force failing to understand or successfully combat a domestic insurgence.
—
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
Currently, there are no other films occupying that date.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Many Chicagoans and residents of the surrounding areas view federal agents already deployed to the city as an occupying force.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
After occupying Sinai, Britain and France succumbed to international pressure and withdrew their forces from Egypt in November.
—Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
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
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
Currently, there are no other films occupying that date.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Many Chicagoans and residents of the surrounding areas view federal agents already deployed to the city as an occupying force.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
After occupying Sinai, Britain and France succumbed to international pressure and withdrew their forces from Egypt in November.
—Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying
Verb
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To soak your clothes prior to washing, fill a bucket or your bathtub with cool to warm water and add 1 cup of vinegar before immersing your clothes into the solution.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
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Best Times to Visit for Good Weather Late spring through the summer is the best time to enjoy warm temperatures, perfect for immersing yourself in the stunning natural splendors of the Pacific Northwest.—
Scott Bay,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Jan. 2026
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 decision effectively ends months of back-and-forth accusations involving Lively, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times.—
Bryan West,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Nov. 2025
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Indiana State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting involving Fishers' officers.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Had Steve Smith been fit and available to play, then the 31-year-old would have been patrolling another part of the field; maybe busying himself in the covers, or chirping away from under a lid at short leg.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
21 Dec. 2025
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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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Cities are increasingly focused on attracting visitors who stay longer, spend more, and travel responsibly.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Border Patrol experienced a similar shift during its hiring surge, attracting individuals with strong anti-immigrant views or a desire for quasi-military action.—
Karl W. Bickel,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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