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 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
His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 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

Freeland resembles Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, drawing back the curtain that hides the smoke machine when the Wizard of Oz is not a wizard at all, but a carnival illusionist distracting the population.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 22 July 2026
Depicting that dress faithfully would likely be distracting to a modern audience and leave the film unmarketable.

— Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupying

verb

Example Sentences

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