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

But the version of the classical hero that the film conjures up nevertheless embodies the great preoccupation of Nolan’s filmography. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

That piecemeal process mirrors the film’s preoccupation with survival. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 July 2026

In the morning, pre-dawn birds interrupted my preoccupation with last night’s news. — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026

These milestones demonstrate that the past is colored and edited by the preoccupations of the present. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 3 July 2026