as in interesting
to hold the attention of
a puzzle will occupy that child for hours
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of occupying
According to a new study in Science, over the past four-plus decades, funding for the sciences has actually been higher when there is a Republican majority in the House of Representatives or a Republican occupying the White House than when Democrats control those levers of power.
—
Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Crafted from teak wood, an industry favorite for all-weather furniture thanks to its durability and golden patina, this chair can easily be your summer porch companion while occupying your living room throughout the winter (although snow and rain pose no issue for the synthetic rattan weave).
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Also, using the bathroom for non-essential purposes and occupying the space for an extended period can cause lines—and headaches for the crew.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
And professional athletes who spend every day in the spotlight, one of them occupying the league’s brightest spotlight and loudest microphone, ought to be acutely aware of that.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
But there is a resurgence of businesses in that district, from artists occupying studios again to breweries re-opening in their former locations.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 16 Sep. 2025
The war, which began October 6, 1973 with a coordinated attack by Egypt and Syria on Israeli troops occupying the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula and the Syrian Golan Heights, ended after 19 days.
—Ben Wedeman, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
While there was was a steady increase of women occupying leadership roles from 2015-2022, Fitzgerald explained that the share of women in such positions increased less than half a percent in the last two years.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Ugarte tries to press the Spain midfielder, but Reijnders pins Shaw and Foden is occupying Fernandes, which means Doku is free to receive the ball in a pocket of space.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Crafted from teak wood, an industry favorite for all-weather furniture thanks to its durability and golden patina, this chair can easily be your summer porch companion while occupying your living room throughout the winter (although snow and rain pose no issue for the synthetic rattan weave).
—Elissa Suh, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Also, using the bathroom for non-essential purposes and occupying the space for an extended period can cause lines—and headaches for the crew.
—Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
And professional athletes who spend every day in the spotlight, one of them occupying the league’s brightest spotlight and loudest microphone, ought to be acutely aware of that.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
But there is a resurgence of businesses in that district, from artists occupying studios again to breweries re-opening in their former locations.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 16 Sep. 2025
The war, which began October 6, 1973 with a coordinated attack by Egypt and Syria on Israeli troops occupying the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula and the Syrian Golan Heights, ended after 19 days.
—Ben Wedeman, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
While there was was a steady increase of women occupying leadership roles from 2015-2022, Fitzgerald explained that the share of women in such positions increased less than half a percent in the last two years.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Ugarte tries to press the Spain midfielder, but Reijnders pins Shaw and Foden is occupying Fernandes, which means Doku is free to receive the ball in a pocket of space.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying
Verb
-
As in his previous films, a clanking, rattling soundscape constructed entirely in post is an artisanal marvel, immersing viewers both in the perilous metallic din of a maybe-sinking ship, and the comforting artifice of analog movie-making.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
31 Aug. 2025
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While each room features gas fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows—perfect for immersing yourself in the dense pine forest and Sierra Nevada mountain views—there’s plenty to keep you occupied on the grounds as well.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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D4vd's world tour has hit a bump in the road amid a police investigation reportedly involving the singer and TikTok sensation.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
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This will be a coordinated effort with the Government Accountability Office, which is also looking into issues involving access and handling of sensitive data at the department, according to the letter from the acting inspector general.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Much like her idol Marlene Dietrich, Novak walked away from the business under her own steam, and has largely kept to herself, marrying an equine veterinarian and busying herself raising horses and painting.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Aside from benzoyl peroxide, glycerin softens and plumps the skin by attracting moisture.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Removing Burned Stains From A Toaster Sweet toaster pastries and other foods can melt and stick to interior surfaces of a toaster, attracting crumbs that burn during cooking.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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