occupying

present participle of occupy

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 occupying Beneath those practical debates, however, American lawyers have gradually come to understand themselves as occupying two roles simultaneously, as Robert Gordon described. Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 For now, Neil the seal is occupying a stretch of sidewalk, unmoving and unbothered. ABC News, 3 July 2026 That was the case for Spain’s third goal against Saudi Arabia, with Porro and Yamal occupying those channels once again — before three Spain players targeted the back post to receive the cross. Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Other institutions occupying the cultural district include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the National History Museum, the forthcoming Zayed National Museum, and teamLab Phenomena. News Desk, Artforum, 2 July 2026 Hyperscale facilities are defined as those occupying more than 250,000 square feet, drawing more than 75 megawatts of power from the grid or developed across more than one principal building on a single parcel. Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 1 July 2026 Austria was well represented as well, with a supporter’s group occupying four sections in the north side of the stadium, who enjoyed watching two second-half goals scored right in front of them. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 But Syria, a regime still trying to get its legs under it, is not going to march next door and pacify Lebanon—especially not with Israel occupying parts of Syria. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 The Venusian themes in Fransway’s chart also extend into her personal life, as Venus, Mars and Jupiter all sit together in Leo, occupying her fourth house of home and family. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying
Verb
  • Earlier this month, the company brought students from over 40 countries to San Francisco to pitch their startup ideas for a chance to win $100,000 of equity-free funding from Red Bull Ventures and $25,000 in Microsoft Azure credits, while immersing themselves in Silicon Valley.
    Lydia T. Blanco, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • To soak your clothes prior to washing, fill a bucket or your bathtub with cool to warm water and add 1 cup of vinegar before immersing your clothes into the solution.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Lalas also had an interesting post on X involving Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, which was invoked by many after seeing what happened to Balogun.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • The men, ranging in age from 20 to 54, were arrested in a joint operation involving the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, the Human Trafficking Task Force, the City of Miami Police Department, and Homeland Security.
    Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.
    Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The song vamps where Railings used to weave and wind, its ever-busying rhythm section building tension atop its harmonic simplicity.
    Craig Heed, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Had Steve Smith been fit and available to play, then the 31-year-old would have been patrolling another part of the field; maybe busying himself in the covers, or chirping away from under a lid at short leg.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Providing a food source is the most obvious way of attracting birds.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 5 July 2026
  • The atmosphere is infectious, attracting a discerning international crowd, yacht enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and travelers who are seeking a blend of luxury and authenticity.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on occupying

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster