as in obsession
something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned
the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age
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Recent Examples of preoccupation
Onabanjo’s chief preoccupation will be with the management of a landmark gift of over 6,500 photographs made to the Met in 2025 by photographer Artur Walther and the Walther Family Foundation.
—
News Desk, Artforum, 9 Apr. 2026
Amid all those preoccupations for his physical performance, Ortiz also had to deliver his lines and be present in the moment, reacting to Gosling with spontaneity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Every preoccupation seemed to hide another preoccupation, as if his mind were a warren of hyperlinks.
—Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
The final space in the show considers Gnoli’s preoccupation with clothing, in part a product of his costume-design background and exposure to his first wife’s fashionable friends.
—Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
News Desk, Artforum, 9 Apr. 2026
Amid all those preoccupations for his physical performance, Ortiz also had to deliver his lines and be present in the moment, reacting to Gosling with spontaneity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Every preoccupation seemed to hide another preoccupation, as if his mind were a warren of hyperlinks.
—Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
The final space in the show considers Gnoli’s preoccupation with clothing, in part a product of his costume-design background and exposure to his first wife’s fashionable friends.
—Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
Noun
-
My obsession with shredding began in May of 2021, in East Palestine, Ohio.—
Mary Norris,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
-
The ritual has gone from Wim Hof curiosity to mainstream obsession, with Lady Gaga, Chris Hemsworth, Joe Rogan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady and LeBron James all chasing the same icy hit.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Third-rounder Keagen Trost could help improve the depth of the offensive line, but the Rams really could use another impact wide receiver given Davante Adams’ age and Puka Nacua’s off-field problems.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Be clear about what matters, then test small changes that won’t create bigger problems later.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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