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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of avocation
Retired from her long vocation as a research chemist, Schafer, at 81, remains on the job with her avocations.
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Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 May 2025
These avocations can take many shapes—traveling, golf, time with family, snowboarding, knitting, hunting, gardening, fishing, church choir, college football, crossword puzzles, theater, cycling, and walking.
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Wes Moss,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South.
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Christina Cacouris,
The New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2024
Dramatically groaning and moaning about the heat in the summer is my avocation.
—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for avocation
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 May 2025
These avocations can take many shapes—traveling, golf, time with family, snowboarding, knitting, hunting, gardening, fishing, church choir, college football, crossword puzzles, theater, cycling, and walking.
—
Wes Moss,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South.
—
Christina Cacouris,
The New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2024
Dramatically groaning and moaning about the heat in the summer is my avocation.
—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
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Heigl said she's worked to cater the home to her hobbies throughout the years, including an art studio located in a standalone building on the property, as well as putting her extensive yarn collection on display in their home theater.
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That’s what makes the difference between a hobby and a scalable, manufacturable, profitable product.
Noun
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During the pursuit, police said Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.
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Furthermore, current jobs, even if not ideal, can fund these personal pursuits, fostering a positive outlook that ultimately aids career progression.
Noun
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Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!
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But tomorrow — or a week from now — Ream hopes the team can celebrate the influence its World Cup run made on the sport and the country.
Noun
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Residents raised concerns about heavy truck traffic, and negative impacts on property values, outdoor recreation spaces, trees and wildlife.
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But district officials plan to keep their promise to the state and residents to develop the property for recreation.
Cite this Entry
“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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