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 Rivian Normal Factory, Illinois Rivian’s Normal, Illinois, factory is a major EV production hub occupying the former Mitsubishi Motors manufacturing complex. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 Imai had pitched twice in the previous 19 days, occupying a roster spot while leaving his fellow relievers overexposed. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 In addition to Formula 1-standard safety barriers on the track, GPX Stream sends a driver’s in-car data and video to the pit lane, where Macleod can review braking, balance and line without occupying the passenger seat. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 That could determine whether the microdrama might be here to stay, occupying a new lane in an industry starved for jobs. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Israel launched a ground invasion and is now occupying dozens of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, many of which have been almost completely demolished. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 The Park Avenue tower, meanwhile, is expected to become a defining part of Midtown’s skyline and provide space for thousands of workers, with Griffin’s companies occupying about 850,000 square feet, the Post said. — Luisa Yanez august 17, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 For now, at least, the evidence suggests the auction houses aren’t riding out luxury’s downturn so much as occupying a different, and currently much healthier, part of the market. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 By Wednesday afternoon, the road was clear, but a large section of the trunk was still occupying his son’s front yard. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying

Verb

For a famous California music festival, Tons’ team installed the Antarctic Dome, a space where festivalgoers could get away from the heat while immersing themselves in a display of stunning visual art.

— K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Heinz began composing only after immersing herself in raw footage and long conversations with Bilal about his years in Sehwan.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Aug. 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

The investigation began after the sheriff's office received reports of possible fraudulent sales involving RVs placed on consignment in March.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
An imagined 2014 case involving State Farm was cited to convince a judge that the company was, ultimately, not responsible for covering all the damage to the plaintiff’s home.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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

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
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

Definition of busying

Verb

Republican response But conservatives said those policies inflated enrollment by attracting fraudulent and wasteful coverage.

— Christine Mai-Duc, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026
The issue is less about attracting officials but keeping them beyond two years, largely because of fan behavior.

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of attracting

Browse Nearby Words

occupy

occupying

occur

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“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupying

verb

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