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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Recent Examples of preoccupy
At a time when the bloc should be united, given a raft of external pressures, nations are preoccupied with domestic issues.
—
Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025
Trotter’s impact on Bottega Veneta remains to be see in this regard, but her ability to create desire is essential in an environment with such high price points and where people are preoccupied with more than clothes.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Rather than preoccupy yourself with what people from your old hometown might say, live in the here and now.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
With the right side of the Eagles’ line preoccupied with outside linebacker Jared Verse, McCollough came unblocked and was able to build speed like only a safety coming downhill can generate.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025
Trotter’s impact on Bottega Veneta remains to be see in this regard, but her ability to create desire is essential in an environment with such high price points and where people are preoccupied with more than clothes.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Rather than preoccupy yourself with what people from your old hometown might say, live in the here and now.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
With the right side of the Eagles’ line preoccupied with outside linebacker Jared Verse, McCollough came unblocked and was able to build speed like only a safety coming downhill can generate.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
Verb
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Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.—
Glenn Peoples,
Billboard,
7 Nov. 2025
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Elizabeth is fascinated by insects and science.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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These books can feel obstinate in their refusal of pleasure—an approach that does not seem to interest Berman in the slightest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
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Click on the parlay hub or go to and individual matchup that interests you to find popular options.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Cardiologists are intrigued, but cautious.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
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Although he was married at the time, Lennon immediately was intrigued by Ono, and the two eventually became inseparable creative partners for the rest of his life.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Moreover, 14% of more than 1,000 respondents said at least one accident had occurred at their workplace because an employee was distracted by a smartphone—often resulting in injury or damage to property.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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Critics said the milestones are too weak, and that Musk is distracted by side ventures.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Beijing — When Ho Puay-peng first visited Beijing’s Forbidden City in the late 1980s, the Singaporean architect saw many of the historic courtyards used for storage, filled with garbage, and occupied by danwei (government offices).—
Fred He,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Detroit Tigers, who occupied first place the American League Central for 187 of the 194 days in the regular season this year, came up short for the second season in a row.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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