as in obsession
something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned
the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age
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Recent Examples of preoccupation
So much so that the very act of regulating my blood sugar goes well beyond a healthy preoccupation and turns into something uglier.
—
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 July 2025
But those with knowledge of Newcastle’s transfer blueprint contest the hypothesis that Howe has a preoccupation with Premier League players, even if the likelihood is that the bulk of summer recruits will come from domestic clubs.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Nearly half of these offenders exhibited evidence of fixation – an intense or obsessive preoccupation with an individual, activity, or idea.
—Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 16 June 2025
These prove out Fielder’s intuition that aviation safety depends on candid cockpit conversation, a particularly high-stakes—and, crucially, perhaps tractable—example of Fielder’s over-all preoccupation with the fear and anxiety that inhibits genuine communication.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 July 2025
But those with knowledge of Newcastle’s transfer blueprint contest the hypothesis that Howe has a preoccupation with Premier League players, even if the likelihood is that the bulk of summer recruits will come from domestic clubs.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Nearly half of these offenders exhibited evidence of fixation – an intense or obsessive preoccupation with an individual, activity, or idea.
—Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 16 June 2025
These prove out Fielder’s intuition that aviation safety depends on candid cockpit conversation, a particularly high-stakes—and, crucially, perhaps tractable—example of Fielder’s over-all preoccupation with the fear and anxiety that inhibits genuine communication.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupation
obsession
Noun
-
It’s inspired by Italian poet Petrarch and his lifelong obsession with Laura.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
His hunting obsession and outdoor adventures will continue, and with his track record, will likely contribute to more scientific discovery.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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