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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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 Photography now joins a broader trend of a generational preoccupation with physical cultural objects and media. — Rotem Rozental, The Conversation, 29 June 2026 Anxious attachment involves fear of abandonment, intense need for closeness, difficulty acting independently especially with major decisions, and preoccupation with relationships as a way to feel good about themselves. — Emily Shiffer, Parents, 24 May 2026 While Liden’s displacement and depersonalization of private property in Unheimlich Manöver could be perceived as the inversion of Darboven’s cocooning, the artists share a preoccupation with the silent speech of objects and with language as a spatial entity. — Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Other Latin American artists identified with the Surrealists, including Kati Horna and Leonor Fini, will also appear in the show, which will explore their preoccupation with imagery informed by the movement, such as death, dreaming, masks, and skeletons. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preoccupation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation

Noun

Taylor Swift's empire tops $2 billion as wedding frenzy fuels global obsession.

— , FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Splatoon Raiders has the potential to expand this phenomenon to a new audience and give existing fans a new obsession.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of obsession

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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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preoccupation

noun

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