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
Asked to describe her thematic preoccupations as a filmmaker, Sode offers a succinct formulation.
—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
That game illuminates the tension between self and community that has fueled the show’s longevity, and reflects the preoccupations of a country that has always been torn between the two.
—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
Instead, there is coping and emotional growth for these figures, who, in the third act, provide their elders with an opportunity to come to terms with their own preoccupations and pasts.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
Though each songwriter’s individual preoccupations and quirks are on display here, the interplay between Adducci and Grigoroff makes this feel like a joint effort.
—
David Harris,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
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
This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations.
—
Cory Anderson,
STAT,
6 Mar. 2026
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 May 2026
That game illuminates the tension between self and community that has fueled the show’s longevity, and reflects the preoccupations of a country that has always been torn between the two.
—
Julie Beck,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
Instead, there is coping and emotional growth for these figures, who, in the third act, provide their elders with an opportunity to come to terms with their own preoccupations and pasts.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
Though each songwriter’s individual preoccupations and quirks are on display here, the interplay between Adducci and Grigoroff makes this feel like a joint effort.
—
David Harris,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
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
This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations.
—
Cory Anderson,
STAT,
6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupations
obsessions
Noun
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As Sabbath’s primary lyricist during the Ozzy years, Geezer established heavy metal’s obsessions with dread, apocalypse, insanity, and the darker corners of spirituality.
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There’s an intrinsic pleasure in seeing filmmakers grow both older and weirder, yielding to their personal idiosyncrasies and obsessions, taking wild chances in pursuit of their passions.
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupations. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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