PREOCCUPIED Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'preoccupied' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of preoccupied are absentminded , absent , abstracted , and distracted . While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others. // too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

Q: When would 'absent' be a good substitute for 'preoccupied'?

Although the words absent and preoccupied have much in common, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters. // an absent stare

Q: In what contexts can 'absentminded' take the place of 'preoccupied'?

The meanings of absentminded and preoccupied largely overlap; however, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness. // so absentminded , he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Q: When is 'abstracted' a more appropriate choice than 'preoccupied'?

The words abstracted and preoccupied can be used in similar contexts, but abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters. // walking about with an abstracted air

Q: When is it sensible to use 'distracted' instead of 'preoccupied'?

While in some cases nearly identical to preoccupied , distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety. // was too distracted by grief to continue working

preoccupied 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd

Definition of preoccupied next

as in distracted

lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preoccupied

2 of 2

verb

past tense of preoccupy

as in interested

to be thought about or worried about by (someone) very often or constantly The question of life after death has preoccupied many philosophers.

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How is the word preoccupied distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of preoccupied are absentminded, absent, abstracted, and distracted. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

When would absent be a good substitute for preoccupied?

Although the words absent and preoccupied have much in common, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

In what contexts can absentminded take the place of preoccupied?

The meanings of absentminded and preoccupied largely overlap; however, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When is abstracted a more appropriate choice than preoccupied?

The words abstracted and preoccupied can be used in similar contexts, but abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When is it sensible to use distracted instead of preoccupied?

While in some cases nearly identical to preoccupied, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

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 preoccupied

Adjective

Staying small has also, historically, been linked to staying weak, preoccupied, and politically apathetic—all qualities that women in this country (or frankly, any country) cannot afford to be at this moment. —

Michelle Konstantinovsky, Glamour, 22 Dec. 2025 Even more preoccupied with toilet humor than its predecessor, Scary Movie 2 hauled in substantially less at the box office. —

Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025

Verb

When boomers were growing up, society was preoccupied with food security and having a roof over their heads, says Amy DeBlase, LMHC, LPC, PMH-C, clinical director and supervisor at Let's Talk Psychological Wellness. —

Holly Garcia, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026 Squire isn’t preoccupied by the attack against trans people. —

Emily Brindley, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preoccupied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied

Adjective

As Chelsea’s staff and substitutes spilled onto the pitch to shake hands and celebrate their 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cole Palmer seemed distracted — turning around, clearly looking for something.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Making compost tea is not a good option for the chronically distracted gardener.

— Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of distracted

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preoccupations

preoccupied

preoccupies

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“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupied. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of preoccupied

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