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 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
  • Replace high-intensity relationships with lower-intensity but deeply fulfilling social interactions — such as group hobbies, volunteering or philosophical discussions — to satisfy emotional needs more healthily.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This no-fail hobby only requires a hammock and two trees or hammocking posts.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Smith, who ran her own pet grooming business, devoted herself entirely to Piper’s pageant pursuits.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The mind subconsciously shifts from pursuit to prevention.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From the October 2011 issue: The scandal of NCAA college sports Wade arrived with a small entourage (the Chick-fil-A was for them), and the room buzzed.
    D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Held at the London West Hollywood, the event honored Miller, the founding chair of the entertainment and sports law department at Fox Rothschild, for his continued excellence and commitment to the community.
    Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The move came partly in response to pressure from recreation groups that had been shut out of plans to redevelop Fiesta Island, finalized in 2021, as well as plans to revamp the bay’s northeast corner near De Anza Cove, approved a year ago.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Maloney, 66, is the former president of Pipefitters Local 597 and was named by the Tinley Park-Park District last year to oversee remediation of the 280-acre former Tinley Park Mental Health Center, which the Park District plans to redevelop for recreation uses.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

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“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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