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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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 The article emphasizes that Le Guin’s books are preoccupied with nature. — Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 The dynamics that structure The Niccolini-Cowper Madonna preoccupied Raphael. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 In a sense, the recent buildings are oddly backward-looking solutions to a dramaturgical problem that preoccupied the German-speaking avant-garde of the 1920s. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 But if none of those clubs is willing to part with the talent the Tigers want for Skubal, and the Yankees are preoccupied with other needs, the Dodgers could emerge as the most viable suitor — in effect, the last team standing. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preoccupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy

Verb

In a California town called Anzar in the late-19th century, Paulette is living with a local magnate’s eccentric son who’s fascinated by the tramps gathering outside his manor.

— Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Here are four more scammers who fascinated people on the internet – plus one who people thought was a scammer but turned out not to be.

— Owen Carry, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

Since Simpson was drafted out of Georgia Tech in 2022, Mottola wanted Rays minor-league coaches to refrain from making any changes, intrigued to see how far the unique skill set could take him.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2026
The dentists Allure spoke with were on the whole intrigued and/or impressed by the CameraJet.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

While the behavior was distracting, Osaka hopes that bringing tennis to a new audience overall will benefit the sport, as long as new fans learn the rules and etiquette of spectating.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
While the President tries to distract Americans from his disastrous war in Iran, gas prices keep soaring.

— Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of distract

Verb

The most reliable tactic is to occupy a choke point where doves enter a field in the morning and in the evening.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Civilian specialists The 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron occupies an unusual position within the Air Force’s nuclear mission.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of occupy

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preoccupies

preoccupy

preoccupying

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“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupy

verb

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