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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 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 Some grandparents completely suppress their other identities in favor of their role as a grandparent, and while this can be great for the grandkids and their folks – this new avocation will swamp other relationships. Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • Kids might fall behind on schoolwork; adults could become distracted during the workday or overspend on supplies related to their hobby.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
  • When assembling Easter baskets, consider the recipient's hobbies, favorite treats and practical needs.
    Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The mind subconsciously shifts from pursuit to prevention.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Smith, who ran her own pet grooming business, devoted herself entirely to Piper’s pageant pursuits.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In other cases, surgeons may allow patients to resume light cardio at six weeks and everything else–weight training, yoga, sports—at three months.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Navratilova on Thursday posed a question to Democrats as some states have continued to thumb their nose at President Donald Trump’s executive order to keep males out of girls’ and women’s sports.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Mendoza, in collaboration with Civil War director Alex Garland, was intentional about filming the movie as true to the real scenario as possible, transporting the audience into a recreation of the mission.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on avocation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!