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
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
These larger sociopolitical preoccupations remain just under the surface, never stepping fully into the foreground to take over the spotlight.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
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
These larger sociopolitical preoccupations remain just under the surface, never stepping fully into the foreground to take over the spotlight.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
Noun
-
Guests arrive dressed for the part, whether inspired by their White Lotus obsession or devotion to the Four Seasons brand.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
That obsession hasn’t waned much since.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This was the problem with conjuring my mother.—
Douglas Stuart,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
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Rising to the #1 spot signals strong business fundamentals, consumer trust and a product that genuinely solves a modern pet owner’s problem.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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