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
While universities remain preoccupied with defending traditional curricula and evaluation methods, not to mention banning students (and staff) from using genAI, the job market is rapidly evolving. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 The United States had withdrawn from the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council; the State Department seemed more preoccupied with deportations than with diplomacy. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025 Early in this episode, Dina mentions to a preoccupied Joel that one of the community’s underground pipes — connected to the outside — has been rendered useless by encroaching roots. Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 While the environmental crisis looms over the play, its characters are equally preoccupied with their own lives. Darryn King, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied
Adjective
  • Serious traffic crashes and deaths have risen sharply across the U.S., largely due to distracted driving.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 10 July 2025
  • At the time, Twitter’s ad business was in trouble—and Tesla shareholders worried Musk was too distracted from his supposed main gig, running the automaker.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupied. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on preoccupied

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!