OCCUPATION Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'occupation' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of occupation are business , calling , employment , métier , pursuit , and work . While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training. // his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

Q: In what contexts can 'business' take the place of 'occupation'?

While in some cases nearly identical to occupation , business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs. // the business of managing a hotel

Q: When can 'calling' be used instead of 'occupation'?

The words calling and occupation can be used in similar contexts, but calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession. // the ministry seemed my true calling

Q: When might 'employment' be a better fit than 'occupation'?

While the synonyms employment and occupation are close in meaning, employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer. // your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

Q: When is it sensible to use 'métier' instead of 'occupation'?

The words métier and occupation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted. // acting was my one and only métier

Q: Where would 'pursuit' be a reasonable alternative to 'occupation'?

The synonyms pursuit and occupation are sometimes interchangeable, but pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest. // her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

Q: When would 'work' be a good substitute for 'occupation'?

Although the words work and occupation have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not. // her work as a hospital volunteer

occupation

noun

ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən

Definition of occupation

as in profession

the activity by which one regularly makes a living my primary occupation is stockbroker, but I'm a drummer in a rock band on the weekends

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in occupancy

the act or fact of residing in a place occupation of a condemned building is illegal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun occupation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of occupation are business, calling, employment, métier, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

In what contexts can business take the place of occupation?

While in some cases nearly identical to occupation, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When can calling be used instead of occupation?

The words calling and occupation can be used in similar contexts, but calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When might employment be a better fit than occupation?

While the synonyms employment and occupation are close in meaning, employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When is it sensible to use métier instead of occupation?

The words métier and occupation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

Where would pursuit be a reasonable alternative to occupation?

The synonyms pursuit and occupation are sometimes interchangeable, but pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When would work be a good substitute for occupation?

Although the words work and occupation have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 occupation The Turkish statement called on the international community to work toward ending Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and other parts of southern Syria. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Higher scores indicate that an occupation requires a more demanding combination of the six abilities. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Part-time jobs pay an hourly wage that is nearly 20% below what workers with full-time jobs earn after age, education, occupation and industry are taken into account. — Paul Osterman, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 Europeans who had lived under Nazi occupation did not have to learn how to kiss in the movies. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupation

Noun

But the numbers in that study are the profession telling on itself.

— Gregg Mojica, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Michiganders have also broadly supported raising teacher pay in recent years, particularly for those just entering the profession.

— Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of profession

Noun

Rates can decrease if paid parking space occupancy falls below thresholds set by the city's curb management policy that was adopted by city council in 2024.

— Marissa Armas, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Gastevich was also critical of town building officials, saying that some houses were given occupancy permits where the land was not properly graded to specifications, which created drainage problems.

— Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of occupancy

Noun

That vocation would ultimately be bookselling, with a specialization in travel books.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
The Kennedy assassination all at once gave Martin a vocation and a network of pen pals and phone buddies; her monomania also provided her kids with an opportunity for experiential learning in a pre-digital era.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of vocation

Noun

Her lawsuit made a number of claims of adverse employment actions.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026
Alaska generally allows legislative ethics complaints involving conduct within the previous five years, while Oregon gives workers five years to file certain employment-discrimination complaints.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of employment

Noun

Collins tried earlier this summer to get Fishback booted from the ballot, alleging Fishback had not met the state's seven-year minimum residency requirement.

— Caroline Linton, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Established in 1987, Panama’s indefinite Pensionado Visa grants permanent residency to foreign nationals who can prove a lifetime monthly income or pension of at least $1,000 a month.

— Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of residency

Noun

Mateychuk is an excellent skater, with clear NHL edge work and speed to be able to skate pucks up ice, evade pressure and close on checks.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
The office's own work plan called for reviewing the rail authority's change-order process by July 2026 — including a $500 million-plus construction change order settlement.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of work

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occupants

occupation

occupations

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“Occupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupation. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupation

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