as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure photography is merely an avocation for me—I've never tried to make money off of it

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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 avocation Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 Today, cooking has become a major generational avocation and source of pride. Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2023 Carter’s new avocation as an end-of-life doula is an outgrowth of the more than 15 years the Detroit native has spent doing hospice work in her free time. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • In some cases, similarity, in terms of sharing the same political views or hobbies, was linked to better relationship outcomes.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Yet today ternary computers are just hobby projects.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • As the final major of 2025, The Open at Royal Portrush promises to deliver compelling storylines -- from McIlroy’s quest for home glory, to Scheffler’s pursuit of a links major and Schauffele’s bid for back-to-back titles -- at a beloved venue in front of the largest crowds outside of St Andrews.
    Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The pursuit of an appeal comes amid controversy over the secrecy of the arbitration decision, the lack of communication about it to NFL players and related questions about the leadership of NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Women’s sports, especially basketball, are experiencing a remarkable surge.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Smith’s deal highlights how, in today’s unmistakably commercialized era of college sports, universities are explicitly prioritizing revenue over all other forms of verifiable success.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Residents are increasingly drawn to the area's rivers, mountain trails, and outdoor recreation—all while benefiting from an average income of $63,685 and home listings that average $819,700.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • According to Thomas, the themes associated with this zodiac sign include romance, creativity, recreation and children.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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