OCCUPATION Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

occupation

noun

ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən

Definition of occupation next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The accords failed to end Israel’s siege of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank. —

Caise D. Hassan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024 The study provides a new facet of information about the crew members of the Mary Rose and how their occupations in Tudor England shaped their bodies and bones, said Richard Madgwick, a professor in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at the UK’s Cardiff University. —

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 This leaves open the question of whether as yet unexplored areas could confirm the existence of a higher urban density or show less dense occupation. —

Anna Lagos, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 The event, known as the Alabama Gates occupation, lasted for four days. —

Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for occupation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupation

Noun

David and Victoria both previously met Queen Elizabeth in light of their respective professions — David for his accomplishments in soccer, and Victoria with her Spice Girls band.

Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Regardless of legacy status, top schools are looking for students who will be innovative thinkers and leaders on campus and in their profession.

Christopher Rim, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024