PREOCCUPYING Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

preoccupying

verb

present participle of preoccupy

as in interesting

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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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 preoccupying The teen's attorney said his client is doing well, but the case is preoccupying her life. — Cbs News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupying

Verb

The female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Definition of intriguing

Verb

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
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025

Definition of fascinating

Verb

Women were made to feel that their bodies were somehow offensive, distracting, or inconvenient.

— Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
Now, a cross-sectional study based on a registry of fatal US motor vehicle crashes has found that the love of her albums may have even contributed a statistically significant bump in deadly traffic accidents, presumably by distracting drivers.

— Mike McRae August 18, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of distracting

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preoccupy

preoccupying

preordain

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“Preoccupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupying. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupying

verb

Example Sentences

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