as in to fascinate
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preoccupy
As for now, Stan is preoccupied navigating the ongoing awards season, following the buzzy release of his two latest movies, A Different Man and The Apprentice.
—
Raven Brunner, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
China’s fragilities also should preoccupy Trump World.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
He is preoccupied with the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, erroneously calling it a subsidy.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Overburdened healthcare workers are preoccupied with routine administrative duties that detract from direct patient care.
—Waqaas Al-Siddiq, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preoccupy 
Raven Brunner, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
China’s fragilities also should preoccupy Trump World.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
He is preoccupied with the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, erroneously calling it a subsidy.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Overburdened healthcare workers are preoccupied with routine administrative duties that detract from direct patient care.
—Waqaas Al-Siddiq, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
Verb
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In pictures: Deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County 1 of 99 A complex tangle of motives Many people are fascinated by fire from a young age.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN,
3 Feb. 2025
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This is an excellent time to dive deep into a subject that once fascinated you, whether through a course or an inspiring conversation — circle back!—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Cotton said a president needs to keep qualified individuals interested in serving the White House and that may sometimes require enhanced security for officials.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
arkansasonline.com,
27 Jan. 2025
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Now Inkle’s library generates enough money to allow Ingold to make only the games that interest him.—
Samuel Horti,
New York Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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What to Know Bennu, a carbon-rich asteroid formed as part of a parent body approximately 4.5 billion years ago, has long intrigued researchers due to its potential to harbor traces of water and organic molecules.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
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This is reason enough to see this film or at least to be intrigued by it.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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As a result, too many of the Syrians who should be rebuilding their country for the better are distracted by poverty and shut out of power.—
Fawaz A. Gerges,
Foreign Affairs,
27 Jan. 2025
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Don’t bring up sensitive topics when stressed, distracted, in a rush…or bed.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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By then, anti-vaccination protesters had occupied the grounds outside Parliament, and Ardern and her family were threatened with violence.—
Caryn James,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
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San Diego Wave has completed the signing of France midfielder Kenza Dali from Aston Villa. Dali, 33, has joined the club on a two-year deal through to 2027 and will occupy an international slot on the Wave’s roster in 2025.—
Ali Rampling,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near preoccupy
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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