as in obsession
something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned
the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age
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Recent Examples of preoccupation
This emphasis on women’s bodies and behaviors is especially conspicuous amid a broader cultural preoccupation with male virility.
—
Lucy Tu, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
On the Severance official podcast, there are a lot of references to Ben’s preoccupation with hair.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
Check this out 🏡 ‘Walk the House’: Contemporary artist Do Ho Suh’s childhood home in Seoul fueled his preoccupation with home as both a physical space and a psychological construct.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
So much so that the very act of regulating my blood sugar goes well beyond a healthy preoccupation and turns into something uglier.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Lucy Tu, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
On the Severance official podcast, there are a lot of references to Ben’s preoccupation with hair.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
Check this out 🏡 ‘Walk the House’: Contemporary artist Do Ho Suh’s childhood home in Seoul fueled his preoccupation with home as both a physical space and a psychological construct.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
So much so that the very act of regulating my blood sugar goes well beyond a healthy preoccupation and turns into something uglier.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
obsession
Noun
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Awash in dark wood, soft leather, stained glass and artful light fixtures, the building is one of Austin's most beautiful restaurants and now home to some of Austin's modern obsessions: pizza and day drinking.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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The hotel has long been synonymous with America’s ambition and obsession with celebrity—a reputation that was nurtured by Conrad Hilton, who secured management and partial ownership in 1949.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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