PREOCCUPATION Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

preoccupation

noun

(ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən

Definition of preoccupation

as in obsession

something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age

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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 preoccupation His output more closely resembles that of an old studio film director’s than of a typical contemporary literary novelist, with certain themes and preoccupations reappearing across books of otherwise disparate subject matter. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 Advertisement America’s preoccupation with the war on terror did squander its unipolar decade. — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026 Fretting about the future is a favorite preoccupation of the conscientious. — Joe Fassler, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026 The result, says Roya, is deepening apathy among her fellow citizens, whose preoccupation now is just getting by. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preoccupation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation

Noun

Thankfully, the obsession over toxic masculinity remains a minority view.

— Luka Ladan, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
In sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, pocket museum creators envelop visitors in environments centered on their obsessions.

— Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of obsession

Noun

The judges cited admission policies that allowed private schools to reject students with behavioral problems, disabilities or poor academic performance.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Still, many challenging open questions must be answered before the Many Worlds interpretation can be accepted as our best explanation for the measurement problem.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of problem

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preoccupancy

preoccupation

preoccupations

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“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupation

noun

Example Sentences

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