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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupying
Verb
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Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025 -
New York has intriguing young outfielders in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer jones, but Bellinger was the team's second best player in the lineup this season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
Verb
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Josh asks for silence, then later explains — in an exasperated tone — that the ruckus was distracting him.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Jan. 2026
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Griffin has a bright future, but dreams of college or the WNBA are not distracting her from the here and now.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Preoccupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupying. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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