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
This is often followed by body dissatisfaction, an intense fear of eating, and a preoccupation with body shape and size even after weight restoration.
—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
While Liden’s displacement and depersonalization of private property in Unheimlich Manöver could be perceived as the inversion of Darboven’s cocooning, the artists share a preoccupation with the silent speech of objects and with language as a spatial entity.
—
Erika Landström,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Getting even has been a lifelong preoccupation.
—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
Anxious attachment involves fear of abandonment, intense need for closeness, difficulty acting independently especially with major decisions, and preoccupation with relationships as a way to feel good about themselves.
—
Emily Shiffer,
Parents,
24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
While Liden’s displacement and depersonalization of private property in Unheimlich Manöver could be perceived as the inversion of Darboven’s cocooning, the artists share a preoccupation with the silent speech of objects and with language as a spatial entity.
—
Erika Landström,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Getting even has been a lifelong preoccupation.
—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
Anxious attachment involves fear of abandonment, intense need for closeness, difficulty acting independently especially with major decisions, and preoccupation with relationships as a way to feel good about themselves.
—
Emily Shiffer,
Parents,
24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
Noun
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Taylor Swift's empire tops $2 billion as wedding frenzy fuels global obsession.
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Splatoon Raiders has the potential to expand this phenomenon to a new audience and give existing fans a new obsession.
Noun
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Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
-
The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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