preoccupy

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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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 preoccupy She was also preoccupied with contractors Thursday and was not concerned about the rain. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025 For his part, Harry is preoccupied with more flashbacks than ever. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 In the administrations of both Trump and President Joe Biden, the United States has been preoccupied with consolidating U.S. power while restraining Chinese advancements. Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025 Head is especially preoccupied with making sure his great-grandchildren understand the importance of this land. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupy
Verb
  • Their affair gives poignant momentum to The Deepest Breath, which is fascinated with athletic obsession.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The grand monuments, enigmatic gods, and legendary rulers of Ancient Egypt have fascinated the world for centuries.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As this strategy becomes more widespread, expect influential people to be inundated with similar requests (so if this strategy interests you, get started now).
    Nick Brown, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Nothing and nobody could have interested George more than Ahmet did.
    Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If you’re intrigued by Buddhist philosophy or the neuroscience of mindfulness, geek out.
    Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 6 Mar. 2025
  • His decision to include Brown — not just via a sample, but by crediting him — will certainly intrigue many younger listeners, and potentially turn them onto Brown’s discography.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Have we been distracted too much by all the verbal fireworks this season from CK, Phillip, and Seychelle to notice that Lete is an absolute assassin out there?
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Grave screamed for help, but security personnel were distracted by the game and not paying attention, the lawsuit said.
    Louis Casiano, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Oleksandr Prokudin, head of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, which was mostly occupied by Russia early in the war but later partially retaken by Ukrainian forces, said three years of war had hardened his countrymen to the ups and downs of the fight to survive.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The property occupies a sizable 7,500-square-foot lot.
    Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupy. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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