as in interesting
to hold the attention of
a puzzle will occupy that child for hours
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of occupying
But taking control of the strait militarily requires massive costs and risks, including a strategic invasion that comes short of occupying the country.
—
Jordan Blum, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
If your fantasy roster is light on steals, David Hamilton has made a pair of early starts for the Brewers, occupying the strong side of a third base platoon.
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
And that could leave the occupying US troops vulnerable.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The Heat was also out of play-in tournament territory, occupying the Eastern Conference’s final automatic playoff berth at sixth place in the East.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
After Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war ended, Hezbollah was the only group to be allowed to keep its weapons as it was considered a resistance movement fighting Israel that was occupying parts of southern Lebanon.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Also of note is the considerable size of the hotel’s rooms, with the standard ‘Deluxe King’ occupying an ample 460 sq ft, which seems positively palatial when compared to the dinky hotel rooms that are typical across much of Japan.
—Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
However, other experts warn occupying the region would be challenging.
—Rufina Chow, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
According to the report, the positions of the Howitzers were changed three days before the event, occupying a 50-by-50-meter box that was smaller than originally planned.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Jordan Blum, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
If your fantasy roster is light on steals, David Hamilton has made a pair of early starts for the Brewers, occupying the strong side of a third base platoon.
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
And that could leave the occupying US troops vulnerable.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The Heat was also out of play-in tournament territory, occupying the Eastern Conference’s final automatic playoff berth at sixth place in the East.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
After Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war ended, Hezbollah was the only group to be allowed to keep its weapons as it was considered a resistance movement fighting Israel that was occupying parts of southern Lebanon.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Also of note is the considerable size of the hotel’s rooms, with the standard ‘Deluxe King’ occupying an ample 460 sq ft, which seems positively palatial when compared to the dinky hotel rooms that are typical across much of Japan.
—Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
However, other experts warn occupying the region would be challenging.
—Rufina Chow, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
According to the report, the positions of the Howitzers were changed three days before the event, occupying a 50-by-50-meter box that was smaller than originally planned.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying
Verb
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Try immersing it in cold water for about 30 minutes to help revive it—or incorporate it as an ingredient.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
2 Apr. 2026
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Of course, your chair should make a visual statement, but no one wants a crick in the neck or a sore lower back after a day of immersing yourself in your latest fiction obsession.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There’s familiarity there, but there’s also intriguing talent with Thompson.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
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The likes of Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi are intriguing new options, but none offer the combination of experience, tactical flexibility and past silverware than Tuchel, a manager who brings solidity in and out of possession.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Concord police said a physical altercation involving several adults, near an elementary school, ended with a man dying Wednesday evening.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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The allegations follow the November dismissal of a prior mortgage fraud case against James involving her home in Virginia, which was thrown out over procedural issues tied to the prosecutor’s appointment, not the underlying claims.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
Verb
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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
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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
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The South American nations are interested in upping their exports of agricultural products like beef, soy and minerals while attracting investment in industries like mining.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
31 Mar. 2026
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Atkinson’s other campaign priorities include reinstating and expanding bus services, attracting additional low-income housing options through federal and state grants, and increasing resource distribution by the city to homeless residents and those struggling with addiction.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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