as in obsessions
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 preoccupations
More important, Paul’s preoccupations with the politics of circumcision, and with Jewish ritual generally, seem to fit badly within a first-century, pre-Jewish War context.
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 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
These larger sociopolitical preoccupations remain just under the surface, never stepping fully into the foreground to take over the spotlight.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Stocks tumbled in February after the latest producer price index showed unexpectedly hot wholesale prices, adding sticky inflation to the list of investors’ recent preoccupations.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
This and other information about U2’s current projects and preoccupations is found in a 54-page revival of the group’s old fanzine, Propaganda, which is available digitally as well as in print in some record shops.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
That much of the internet saw Bad Bunny’s Grammys look as a harbinger for more violence is probably more of a projection of our own preoccupations and fears.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
The imagery of the song chimes with some of Bowie’s deepest spiritual preoccupations.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 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
These larger sociopolitical preoccupations remain just under the surface, never stepping fully into the foreground to take over the spotlight.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Stocks tumbled in February after the latest producer price index showed unexpectedly hot wholesale prices, adding sticky inflation to the list of investors’ recent preoccupations.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
This and other information about U2’s current projects and preoccupations is found in a 54-page revival of the group’s old fanzine, Propaganda, which is available digitally as well as in print in some record shops.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
That much of the internet saw Bad Bunny’s Grammys look as a harbinger for more violence is probably more of a projection of our own preoccupations and fears.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
The imagery of the song chimes with some of Bowie’s deepest spiritual preoccupations.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupations
obsessions
Noun
-
Rewriting about my obsessions through the ars poetica also reminded me that poetry is itself an art of repetition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Inside, spread out over three floors, was a 14-year-old girl’s personal obsessions all brought to life under one roof.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupations. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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