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
-
My obsessions surrounding her care, health, and well-being were funneled into a compulsive use of the app.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
22 May 2026
-
Her interviews from that moment, triggered by the obsessions of bombers Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, would later be chronicled at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupations. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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