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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preoccupation
Getting even has been a lifelong preoccupation.
—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
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,
24 May 2026
Asked to describe her thematic preoccupations as a filmmaker, Sode offers a succinct formulation.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Koepp was referring, of course, to Spielberg’s multi-film preoccupation with visitors from outer space.
—
Darryn King,
Vanity Fair,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
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,
24 May 2026
Asked to describe her thematic preoccupations as a filmmaker, Sode offers a succinct formulation.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Koepp was referring, of course, to Spielberg’s multi-film preoccupation with visitors from outer space.
—
Darryn King,
Vanity Fair,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
Noun
-
His feverish obsession is a frontal assault on democracy.
-
Thomas, as the team described during the panel, is envisioned as someone who already has an existing relationship with the Blue Angel mushroom, and treats it with religious obsession, in Hely’s words.
Noun
-
Common travel problems include flight delays, lost luggage, and unexpected hotel issues.
-
Plants that thrive in similar conditions eliminate problems later.
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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