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

At this time last year, many were fascinated by undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.

— Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

What interests me more is how much smarter these devices are becoming.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
This question interested me as a computational biophysicist who studies how living systems process information and adapt to changing environments.

— Shiladitya Banerjee, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

Neal, who grew up a 49ers fan, put it bluntly when he and his father were asked why the family was so intrigued by the Seahawks in particular.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of intrigue

Verb

Some of these elements are distracting, some are used as plot devices, and a few simply reek of misanthropy for its own sake.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2026
The pain distracted Garrett while facing a 49ers lineup that included three-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of distract

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 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupy

verb

Example Sentences

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