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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 She was also preoccupied with contractors Thursday and was not concerned about the rain. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025 For his part, Harry is preoccupied with more flashbacks than ever. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 In the administrations of both Trump and President Joe Biden, the United States has been preoccupied with consolidating U.S. power while restraining Chinese advancements. Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025 Head is especially preoccupied with making sure his great-grandchildren understand the importance of this land. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
Verb
  • In 1956, an aspiring young actor named Gene Hackman joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, struggling to find a way into a field he’d been fascinated with since childhood.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
  • He has been fascinated by the players’ kits, wondering whether more can be done to optimise comfort and performance.
    Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Garcia’s explanation: The American style of living has always interested him.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Other word names like Blessing, Treasure, Loyalty and Cherish might interest this crowd, as well.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Cowboys defensive coordinator job became available and he was intrigued by the opportunity to return to Dallas after coaching the team’s linebackers from 2011 through 2017.
    Jon Machota, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • For our part, we’re intrigued by the iComfort Mattress and the Perfect Sleeper hybrid.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Such a merger seems exceedingly far from likely, even if Tesla CEO Elon Musk wasn't completely distracted dismantling the federal government and its workforce.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
  • There's a lot to get distracted by, which is a big part of the fun.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Delle had set the glass on the floor, and was now occupying her hands by picking at her inky black manicure.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The New Jersey site holds an 1836 stone house once occupied by a man who illustrated the Wizard of Oz books and stories.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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