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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 preoccupation
Morris didn’t mind the late hours or Marty’s preoccupation.
—
Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
This year, beauty’s obsession with visible transformation has evolved into a preoccupation with longevity, spanning biomarkers, hormone health, inflammation and cellular repair.
—Amy Francombe, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
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, 2 Dec. 2025
The first version celebrated big beat and French house music, but this one reminds us that PinkPantheress emerged from an age of preoccupation with digital realms and video-game soundtracks.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
This year, beauty’s obsession with visible transformation has evolved into a preoccupation with longevity, spanning biomarkers, hormone health, inflammation and cellular repair.
—Amy Francombe, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
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, 2 Dec. 2025
The first version celebrated big beat and French house music, but this one reminds us that PinkPantheress emerged from an age of preoccupation with digital realms and video-game soundtracks.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
Noun
-
In Short’s case, the flattening is particularly egregious, because the inchoate facts of her life are shoehorned into the obsessions of amateur sleuths who continue to get those facts wrong.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Now that Musk has massively tarnished the brand with his public embrace of far-right ideologies, putting a major dent in its cars’ desirability, and competition in the space is stronger than ever, particularly from China, the richest man in the world is ready to move on to his next shiny obsession.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Automakers have been surprisingly resilient during the challenges, but those issues are now combining with more traditional industry problems of affordability and slowing consumer demand.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
25 Jan. 2026
-
However, Morgan has indicated in interviews that another problem was a BBC executive’s dislike of the show.—
Rich Heldenfels,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
