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
By that time, concerns about fraud were a statewide preoccupation and a DFL political liability, later contributing to Walz’s decision not to seek a third term as governor.
—
Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 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
Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 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
-
To her surprise, Maryam begins to develop a closer bond with her – but Nessa cannot let go of the obsession.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
-
This dark psychological thriller about guilt, obsession, truth and morality arises out of just a single conversation between strangers who happen to sit next to one another.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Gemini May 21 – June 20 A small realization about money or priorities could solve more than one problem today.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 May 2026
-
Language development, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and relationship-building all begin before age three.—
Tina Dello Russo,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
