as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure
photography is merely an avocation for me—I've never tried to make money off of it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 avocation
And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024
Today, cooking has become a major generational avocation and source of pride.
—Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023
Carter’s new avocation as an end-of-life doula is an outgrowth of the more than 15 years the Detroit native has spent doing hospice work in her free time.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2023
Some grandparents completely suppress their other identities in favor of their role as a grandparent, and while this can be great for the grandkids and their folks – this new avocation will swamp other relationships.
—Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for avocation
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024
Today, cooking has become a major generational avocation and source of pride.
—Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023
Carter’s new avocation as an end-of-life doula is an outgrowth of the more than 15 years the Detroit native has spent doing hospice work in her free time.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2023
Some grandparents completely suppress their other identities in favor of their role as a grandparent, and while this can be great for the grandkids and their folks – this new avocation will swamp other relationships.
—Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
-
Started as a homebrewing hobby in the 1980s, the commercial craft beer industry has grown exponentially during the new millennium, expanding from 1,566 breweries to nearly 10,000 as of 2023, according to the Brewers Association.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Pick up a new hobby or make a regular date with a friend for a phone call.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Everything—from travel to fashion, architecture, interiors and culinary pursuits—is meticulously designed, sometimes obviously, sometimes not.—
Rima Suqi,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The president has made no secret of his pursuit of an agreement that would give the United States access to a significant share of the mineral wealth -- one that Zelenskyy has, so far, declined to take.—
Shannon K. Kingston,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The drive modes include auto, sport, tow, off-road high and off-road low.—
Sam Abuelsamid,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Guerrier is not alone in his discovery, as many are unaware of how prominent Black history has featured itself in a predominantly White sport.—
Julian McKenzie,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Natural State's burgeoning outdoor recreation industry generated $7.3 billion in direct and indirect economic impact during 2023, per topline figures shared from a new report Monday.—
Worth Sparkman,
Axios,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Yates’ second-degree murder conviction stemmed from killing inmate Nathan Marcus, 33, at a recreation yard, the CDCR has said.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacramento Bee,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share