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

But the darker side of humanity has always fascinated me, as do mystical practices.

— Ashley Woo, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
As Oppenheim put it at the film’s Venice press conference, he’d long been fascinated by Hansen, and only became more so after his wife gifted him a Cameo from the host for his birthday.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of fascinate

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

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

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 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupy

verb

Example Sentences

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