as in distracted
lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions
too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in interested
to be thought about or worried about by (someone) very often or constantly
The question of life after death has preoccupied many philosophers.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preoccupied
E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
Early in this episode, Dina mentions to a preoccupied Joel that one of the community’s underground pipes — connected to the outside — has been rendered useless by encroaching roots.
—Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
While the environmental crisis looms over the play, its characters are equally preoccupied with their own lives.
—Darryn King, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Bold tactic allows Bassett to shine, play with comfort
Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic believes Cole Bassett can get a little bit too preoccupied thinking about goals and assists to actually score and provide them.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
Adjective
The United States had withdrawn from the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council; the State Department seemed more preoccupied with deportations than with diplomacy.
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2025
Early in this episode, Dina mentions to a preoccupied Joel that one of the community’s underground pipes — connected to the outside — has been rendered useless by encroaching roots.
—Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
While the environmental crisis looms over the play, its characters are equally preoccupied with their own lives.
—Darryn King, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Bold tactic allows Bassett to shine, play with comfort
Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic believes Cole Bassett can get a little bit too preoccupied thinking about goals and assists to actually score and provide them.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupied
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied
Adjective
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Guevara had warrants issued for his arrest in connection with charges of distracted driving, failing to obey a traffic control device and reckless driving, which were secured by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office on June 20.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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For employers, this means a labor force comprised of people who are anxious, distracted, or simply not there, said Stacy Greiner, CEO of on-demand pay platform DailyPay.—
Susan Caminiti,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Verb
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The Ravens would have to be intrigued if Banks falls in the mid-20s.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
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Traded by the Angels and non-tendered by Atlanta, Canning signed with the Mets because he was intrigued by their successful major-league development of starters last season.—
Tim Britton,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Check out Pima Air & Space Museum For those fascinated by astronomy and aerospace, the Pima Air & Space Museum is an essential stop along Tucson’s Astro Trail.—
Visit Tucson,
AFAR Media,
20 Mar. 2025
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Friendship stores selling specialty foodstuffs, silks, and Maoist tchotchkes emerged to meet demand from both Chinese immigrants seeking familiar comforts and Americans fascinated by the exotic wares.—
Mark Tseng-Putterman / Made by History,
TIME,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupied. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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