preoccupy

verb

Definition of preoccupynext
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.

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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 Here’s what Cashman had to say about those position groups while reminding folks that major league front offices have been preoccupied with this weekend’s amateur draft. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026 When Islamist fighters swept south toward Damascus in December 2024, neither Russia, which was preoccupied by Ukraine, nor Iran, whose Hezbollah allies had been badly weakened, could prevent the Assad regime’s sudden collapse. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2026 Trump, for a while, was preoccupied by the 250th celebrations and largely stayed out of the World Cup. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 In a community where residents are preoccupied with their own difficult recovery journeys, the unity was noteworthy. — Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
  1. fascinate
  2. interest
  3. intrigue
  4. distract
  5. occupy
Verb
  • The entrepreneur fascinated by biology may rethink manufacturing.
    — Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Jeb has always been fascinated by the heroic deeds of gunslingers, despite the Quaker teachings of nonviolence.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Definition of fascinate
Verb
  • Pushing Content That Doesn’t Interest The Audience New marketers often lead social posts with company news, product features or promotional content without considering what interests their audience.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The Reds have several players under team control beyond this season who could interest other teams, like outfielder JJ Bleday and infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer, but for now, at least, the team seems to be concentrating on moving rentals.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Definition of interest
Verb
  • So, if you’re intrigued by the potential and plant support stakes provide, here are eight plants worth staking starting this summer and beyond.
    — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 18 July 2026
  • He was intrigued by the new space company and saw an opportunity to help build the future of spaceflight.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • Authorities allege Ivy and Mayhand distracted employees by browsing merchandise while Wiley sat at a consultation desk and stole two pieces of jewelry before the trio fled.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • No Country for Mothers is a documentary from Moms First, Culture House Media, and French Tuck Media that investigates the lies used throughout history to distract and divide American mothers.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of distract
Verb
  • Two inspectors were escorted into The Club one night last year by homeowners who had targeted Airbnbs occupied by guests.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • According to Zirpolo, the barn-like structure housed a produce market more than 10 years ago, before Wood Creations Boutique occupied the space.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of occupy

Browse Nearby Words

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preoccupy
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Cite this Entry

“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preoccupy

Nglish: Translation of preoccupy for Spanish Speakers

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