as in to fascinate
to be thought about or worried about by (someone) very often or constantly
The question of life after death has preoccupied many philosophers.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 preoccupy
Since the 2024 race, I’ve been preoccupied by the idea of what makes a successful politician in this world.
—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
Jordan Mesias, 33, meanwhile, was preoccupied with the District 1 City Council race.
—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Rumspringa is an album preoccupied with thresholds.
—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
2 June 2026
That's really what preoccupied all of us during Band of Brothers and similarly with Pressure.
—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
Jordan Mesias, 33, meanwhile, was preoccupied with the District 1 City Council race.
—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Rumspringa is an album preoccupied with thresholds.
—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
2 June 2026
That's really what preoccupied all of us during Band of Brothers and similarly with Pressure.
—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
Verb
-
Like countless others, I was fascinated by the intersection of medicine, epidemiology, and emerging pathogens that the book portrayed.
-
Hornets have ‘totally reshaped that frontcourt’ Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo sports podcaster and writer, is fascinated by the trade on both sides.
Verb
-
Focus on how your team members can learn and grow, and discuss with them what interests them.
-
But discovery interests me more than learning.
Verb
-
But beyond his formal classes, what intrigued Roelker most were computers, particularly hacking.
-
With names such as Ulta Beauty, OPI, Joico, and Kentucky Fried Chicken onboard, Warner Bros Global Partnerships’ aim for the campaign is to sell the edgy aspect of the DC-verse, while creating zeitgeist moments that would intrigue young women and families.
Verb
-
Smart leaders audit what’s truly profitable, cut distracting growth channels and rebuild around operational clarity, not just revenue velocity.
-
If a robot starts patrolling your local garage, mall, park or transit hub, do not get distracted by the cool tech factor.
Verb
-
The cabana frame was lifted by strong winds before crashing into an area occupied by guests near the resort's pool deck.
-
Law enforcement also linked Sanchez-Munoz to a June 11 shooting in which a vehicle occupied by an adult and a child was hit by gunfire in the area of Seventh Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
