preoccupied

2 of 2

verb

past tense of preoccupy

Synonym Chooser

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
Indeed, students can be generally secure in romantic relationships yet become preoccupied while dating a certain partner. Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Ryan isn’t too keen on Bex asking Shane for details about the prison, and a few others remain preoccupied with covering their tracks and keeping other skeletons tucked away in their respective closets. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025 Daryl is a chatty good old boy who is eager to make conversation with Madolyn, but the U.S. Marshall is a little preoccupied. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025 The old man later finds Rachel, who’s preoccupied that she’s lost Rollo, and grabs her in the stables. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied
Adjective
  • The distracted driver hit two cars, both heading west, after reportedly going left of center, OSHP's Chardon Post Trooper William Head confirmed, per the outlet.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That's changed as more parents fear the morning rush of traffic and distracted drivers.
    Linh Ta, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Ravens would have to be intrigued if Banks falls in the mid-20s.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Traded by the Angels and non-tendered by Atlanta, Canning signed with the Mets because he was intrigued by their successful major-league development of starters last season.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Check out Pima Air & Space Museum For those fascinated by astronomy and aerospace, the Pima Air & Space Museum is an essential stop along Tucson’s Astro Trail.
    Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Friendship stores selling specialty foodstuffs, silks, and Maoist tchotchkes emerged to meet demand from both Chinese immigrants seeking familiar comforts and Americans fascinated by the exotic wares.
    Mark Tseng-Putterman / Made by History, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupied. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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