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
Right about that time, Hunt also was engaging the gears that would lead to something else that preoccupied him the rest of his life.
—
Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
The second half of The Testaments’s first season is preoccupied with backstory.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
This came in a series in which the first line of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis was preoccupied with playing Ottawa to a draw.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 May 2026
The pro-democracy protests in China and their suppression preoccupied nearly everyone in Hong Kong, including Pau, who was following the protests on a daily basis.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
The second half of The Testaments’s first season is preoccupied with backstory.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
This came in a series in which the first line of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis was preoccupied with playing Ottawa to a draw.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 May 2026
The pro-democracy protests in China and their suppression preoccupied nearly everyone in Hong Kong, including Pau, who was following the protests on a daily basis.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
Verb
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Within the hobby, what has really fascinated me is the arms race on social media between all the various strap companies, all desperately racing to be first to market with conversion kits to turn these AP Swatches into wearable wristwatches.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
20 May 2026
-
She is fascinated by the interrelation of sound and fragrance when co-diffused — or broadcast — through space.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Despite speculation, there has been no hard evidence to suggest the Celtics will look to trade Jaylen Brown (who likely would interest the Heat).—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
-
That agenda should interest Washington.—
Daniel Benaim,
Time,
18 May 2026
Verb
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The allure of fame certainly intrigues, but the financial potential remains hard to ignore.—
Jacqueline Jevtich,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Even at a new track without a prominent horse, many respondents say they’re still intrigued by Saturday’s event.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
14 May 2026
Verb
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This moon phase puts pressure on your love life, creativity or personal passions, especially if you've been emotionally distracted by money worries or self-worth issues.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
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While Jay and Kyle distract the guard, Pete reunites with Amunhotep (everyone's favorite mummy ghost) and the portrait is discovered!—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
House members who occupy safe seats have fewer incentives to compromise or work across the aisle.—
Ashley Wu,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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Whole Foods opening in Newport Beach Whole Foods is opening a second store in Newport Beach, claiming the spot occupied by a Ralphs grocery store at Westcliff Plaza.—
Samantha Gowen,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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