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
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
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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
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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
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Holland attempted to address the problem by trading for Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break, but the high-scoring forward couldn’t make up for the Olympic injury loss of fellow high scorer Kevin Fiala.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
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The accountability crisis that looked like someone else’s problem last week is sitting in Florida’s backyard.—
Nick Weston,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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