Synonyms of preoccupation

preoccupation

noun

(ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən 

as in obsession

something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned

the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obsession
• problem
• fascination
• fixation
• enthusiasm
• fetish
• mania
• prepossession
• idée fixe
• thirst
• monomania
• longing
• desire
• compulsion
• infatuation
• craving
• trip
• tendency
• hunger
• appetite
• yearning
• complex
• predilection
• urge
• idiosyncrasy
• proclivity
• quirk
• penchant
• lust
• passion
• predisposition
• hang-up
• propensity
• inclination
• yen
• itch
• pining
• bent
• hankering
• partiality
• drive
• disposition
• cacoëthes
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• disregard
• apathy
• nonchalance
• unconcern
• insouciance
• disinterestedness
• unconcernedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preoccupation

Advertisement America’s preoccupation with the war on terror did squander its unipolar decade. — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Fretting about the future is a favorite preoccupation of the conscientious. — Joe Fassler, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

The result, says Roya, is deepening apathy among her fellow citizens, whose preoccupation now is just getting by. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026

The loneliness of the long-distance grieving survivalist is the main preoccupation of The Dog Stars, Ridley Scott’s moody, surprisingly sensitive adaptation of Scott Heller’s 2012 novel. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026