preoccupied
adjective
pre·oc·cu·pied
(ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd 
1
: previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense
—used of a biological generic or specific name
2
a
: lost in thought
also
: absorbed in some preoccupation
b
: already occupied
Examples of preoccupied in a Sentence
too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, students can be generally secure in romantic relationships yet become preoccupied while dating a certain partner.
—
Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Ryan isn’t too keen on Bex asking Shane for details about the prison, and a few others remain preoccupied with covering their tracks and keeping other skeletons tucked away in their respective closets.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Daryl is a chatty good old boy who is eager to make conversation with Madolyn, but the U.S. Marshall is a little preoccupied.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025
The old man later finds Rachel, who’s preoccupied that she’s lost Rollo, and grabs her in the stables.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
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Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Ryan isn’t too keen on Bex asking Shane for details about the prison, and a few others remain preoccupied with covering their tracks and keeping other skeletons tucked away in their respective closets.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Daryl is a chatty good old boy who is eager to make conversation with Madolyn, but the U.S. Marshall is a little preoccupied.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025
The old man later finds Rachel, who’s preoccupied that she’s lost Rollo, and grabs her in the stables.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupied. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preoccupied
adjective
pre·oc·cu·pied
(ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpīd
1
: lost in thought : engrossed
2
: already occupied
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