Definition of avocationnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 avocation 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 Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • Choose a single topic or hobby to explore, then map a simple schedule for research or practice.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Upstairs, the layout and square footage impress and make room for everything from family to guests and hobbies.
    Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the Pomona case, O'Malley said that officers had to weigh the costs of continuing the pursuit.
    Tom Wait, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Most families here are descendants of settlers from Ireland and England who came in pursuit of cod 300-plus years ago.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • White, though, knows that Charlotte has underachieved for many years in the two best revenue-generating sports on his and almost every college campus — football and men’s basketball.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In 2020, Idaho passed a first-in-the-nation law barring trans women and girls from participating in women’s and girls sports.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The new rules were approved by the county's recreation and park commission last week, and they are scheduled to go before the board of supervisors for a vote in the next two months.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Priorities remaining this year include boosting community engagement through surveys and website additions, developing strategic plans for village parks and recreation facilities and seeking funding for infrastructure improvements, Dodge said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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