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

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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 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 Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • 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.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • That’s what makes the difference between a hobby and a scalable, manufacturable, profitable product.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Yet The Bear has always been equally attuned to the tension at the heart of that pursuit.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 June 2026
  • The pursuit lasted around five minutes before the suspect successfully evaded officers.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • In a 2023 survey by World Athletics, a global sports federation, 75% of responding athletes said the impacts of climate change are negatively affecting their health and athletic performance.
    Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Rivers and recreation One section of Idaho’s pavilion is designed to showcase the state’s landscapes and deep connection to its rivers.
    Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 23 June 2026
  • The setting offers direct proximity to alpine recreation, including nearby trails to Lola Montez Lake and access to ski resorts around Donner Summit.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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