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 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 Increasingly, his mind was preoccupied with extremist views and conspiracy theories, including secret government cabals and false-flag operations. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Armand is not preoccupied by the archaic Great Laws as the season had lead us to believe. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 As the genre’s name suggests, country music tends to be preoccupied with place; the charts are full of tributes to the satisfaction of being firmly rooted in a small town, and the sorrows of leaving it behind. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preoccupy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy

Verb

The tension, the uncertainty, the hovering between bravery and cowardice captures some of what fascinated me in Muriel Rukeyser’s novel Savage Coast.

— Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
Garfield remembers being fascinated by the rows of VHS tapes and the possibilities behind their covers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of fascinate

Verb

With your sisters Kim and Kylie breaking into the acting world over the last couple of years, with American Horror Story, All’s Fair and The Moment, is acting something that still interests you?

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to talk about what interests him, in the right context.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of interest

Verb

People who originally stopped because they were intrigued by the sight of a guy pulling pizzas out of a Smart car have become regulars and bring friends.

— Bradley Alvelo, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Although running late to an appointment, I was intrigued by her outgoingness and New York accent.

— Anna Raskind, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

Clancy also didn't report any attempt to stop the voice or distract herself from it, which Heilbrun said is common for people who experience such hallucinations.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Mail and Paper Piles Leaving mail and stacks of paper on coffee tables, console tables, and end tables is distracting and causes a conflict between relaxation and productive tasks, which Lee notes are two things that don't go together.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of distract

Verb

Zelenskyy said Russia had occupied about 990 square kilometers since the start of the year, while Ukraine had restored control over roughly 820 square kilometers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the aging bachelor lived as something of a recluse in the Independence mansion occupied by multiple other relatives and in-laws.

— Dan Kelly August 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of occupy

Browse Nearby Words

preoccupies

preoccupy

preoccupying

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Style

“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupy

verb

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