PREOCCUPY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

preoccupy

verb

Definition of preoccupy

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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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

Verb

But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Academics have long been fascinated by Messi’s behaviour, particularly his cognitive skills.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 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

That convergence is drawing together businesses that once occupied separate corners of the market, from consumer staples companies selling food to biotech firms developing medicines and veterinary providers offering increasingly sophisticated care.

— Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
Swanson was occupied with the training staff after the game and was unavailable for comment.

— Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Definition of occupy

Browse Nearby Words

preoccupies

preoccupy

preoccupying

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“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupy

verb

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