occupation

noun

ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce occupation (audio)
Definition of occupationnext
1
as in profession
the activity by which one regularly makes a living my primary occupation is stockbroker, but I'm a drummer in a rock band on the weekends

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in occupancy
the act or fact of residing in a place occupation of a condemned building is illegal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun occupation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of occupation are business, calling, employment, métier, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

In what contexts can business take the place of occupation?

While in some cases nearly identical to occupation, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When can calling be used instead of occupation?

The words calling and occupation can be used in similar contexts, but calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When might employment be a better fit than occupation?

While the synonyms employment and occupation are close in meaning, employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When is it sensible to use métier instead of occupation?

The words métier and occupation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

Where would pursuit be a reasonable alternative to occupation?

The synonyms pursuit and occupation are sometimes interchangeable, but pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When would work be a good substitute for occupation?

Although the words work and occupation have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 occupation Another occupation mentioned in the legislation is people in the beauty service industry. —Morgan Kromer, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 2025 Despite its tragic outcome, the film proves stirring in its capacity for hope against all odds, while also placing on full display the cost of occupation, portraying the full extent of the lives and dreams dashed by war. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 May 2025 Third, the taxpayers who can take this deduction will be limited to certain occupations, which, according to The Guardian, will be provided by the US Department of Treasury within 90 days. —Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 For example, there could be the introduction of tips in new occupations, or a shift in compensation in already tipped occupations toward a greater reliance on tips. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for occupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupation
  1. profession
  2. occupancy
  3. vocation
  4. habitation
  5. employment
  6. residency
  7. work
Noun
  • The profession requires nuanced assessment, relationship-building, and constant intervention adjustment that AI simply cannot replicate.
    — Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • With the show, the verité filmmaker aims to uncover the human element of this high-gloss profession.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 June 2025
Definition of profession
Noun
  • Systems that provide real-time capacity monitoring and trend analysis help lounges manage occupancy and deliver better service.
    — Stoyan Mitov, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Simon Property Group, a leading mall operator, has acknowledged a 5 percent drop in mall occupancy over the past two years.
    — Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Definition of occupancy
Noun
  • Gerry appreciated that his mission, his calling, his vocation was to meet the needs of all his constituents, not least those underserved.
    — Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The purpose of higher education should be for students to continue to develop critical thinking skills, to grow, to question, to learn, to mature, and to hopefully develop knowledge that will serve those students in a vocation.
    — Rep. Steve Weir, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
Definition of vocation
Noun
  • On May 7, Gardner city officials declared the near 200-unit complex at 101 Aspen St. unfit for habitation because the deteriorating water infrastructure left tenants with unreliable and inconsistent water service.
    — Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
  • Alaska’s vast wilderness has been a testing ground of human endurance for millennia as the gateway for human habitation of the Americas.
    — Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Definition of habitation
Noun
  • Since your job was seasonal, the terms of your employment may have also been governed by a contract or agreement.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • The irony is elegant: the same technological revolution threatening employment also provides tools for managing its social consequences.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of employment
Noun
  • Recorded on March 26, 1967, the live set sees the influential group performing as part of their four-month residency at the Winchester Cathedral club in Redwood City, California.
    — Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 6 June 2025
  • There are some exceptions, including for people with lawful permanent residency, spouses and children of U.S. citizens, those who are adopted and others.
    — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 5 June 2025
Definition of residency
Noun
  • Then, a year later, came the moves up the coaching ladder with the Heat that included G League work with the Skyforce.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • He is noted for exceptional design work on notable homes in the area.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Definition of work

Browse Nearby Words

occupants
occupation
occupations
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Cite this Entry

“Occupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupation. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of occupation for Spanish Speakers

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