preoccupied

2 of 2

verb

past tense of preoccupy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word preoccupied distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of preoccupied are absentminded, absent, abstracted, and distracted. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

When would absent be a good substitute for preoccupied?

Although the words absent and preoccupied have much in common, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

In what contexts can absentminded take the place of preoccupied?

The meanings of absentminded and preoccupied largely overlap; however, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When is abstracted a more appropriate choice than preoccupied?

The words abstracted and preoccupied can be used in similar contexts, but abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When is it sensible to use distracted instead of preoccupied?

While in some cases nearly identical to preoccupied, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preoccupied
Adjective
Remember that kids may be too preoccupied at times to sit down and eat. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025 Volkov’s version has a more serious tone and is more preoccupied with the right morals and behavior. Christin Bohnke, JSTOR Daily, 5 Mar. 2025 After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Washington became preoccupied with what Vindman calls an improbable worst-case scenario — that Moscow would make good on threats to go nuclear — and sent Ukraine insufficient arms. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 The rebels may be seeking to capitalize on a weakened government whose key allies are heavily preoccupied with other conflicts. Lauren Kent, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied
Adjective
  • Follow the rules of the road—and stay off your phone - Stick to speed limits, obey traffic signals, and never drive distracted.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • That was a possible sign of fatigue or distracted driving, some experts told CBS Austin — a problem that truckers told The Hill is endemic across an industry that pushes them to work around the clock.
    Saul Elbein, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Ravens would have to be intrigued if Banks falls in the mid-20s.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Traded by the Angels and non-tendered by Atlanta, Canning signed with the Mets because he was intrigued by their successful major-league development of starters last season.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Check out Pima Air & Space Museum For those fascinated by astronomy and aerospace, the Pima Air & Space Museum is an essential stop along Tucson’s Astro Trail.
    Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Friendship stores selling specialty foodstuffs, silks, and Maoist tchotchkes emerged to meet demand from both Chinese immigrants seeking familiar comforts and Americans fascinated by the exotic wares.
    Mark Tseng-Putterman / Made by History, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupied. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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