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 Palestinians had an opportunity to create effective self-governance in Gaza and demonstrate what the West Bank, too, could become without the Israeli occupation. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025 On the contrary, Mo and his family are always grappling with the consequences of the occupation, or contending with people’s prejudices against Palestinians and Muslims. Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025 That is because a slew of them came from Italy and had little to do over the summer following the occupation. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025 This refinery is involved in supplying the Russian occupation army. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for occupation 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupation
Noun
  • Davis was named a Tarrant County Legal Legend in October in recognition of his significant contributions to the profession and the community.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2025
  • It can now be considered among Presti’s more impactful master strokes, considering Daigneault’s decade-long rise to the top of the profession.
    Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Philadelphia metro hit a record post-pandemic office occupancy rate in January, per the latest swipe data from Kastle Systems.
    Mike D'Onofrio, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
  • As of December 31, 2024, Alpine owned 134 properties across 35 states, with a portfolio occupancy rate of 98% and a weighted average lease term of 8.7 years.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Urbano believes there’s a greater purpose at work in her life, and in her vocation.
    Paul Eisenberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Her ambivalence toward her vocation runs throughout her memoir, which interrogates and sometimes rebuts the dogmas that inevitably hardened around such famed artists.
    Claudia La Rocco, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, the introduction of advanced pod technology increases the potential for sustained human habitation undersea.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Native to the forests of Central and South America this iconic snake can grow up 8 feet long (2+ meters), is remarkably well camouflaged, and can be very abundant near human habitation.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Federal civilian employment is not a major factor in federal spending and deficits.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025
  • With Juan Soto no longer under their employment, Stanton’s health and continued production are of the utmost importance to a lineup that is also banking on a few other former MVPs.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On view through May 24 through Womxn in Windows’ residency at the MOCA culture:LAB.
    The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Il Pellicano is touching down at Claridge’s with a one-week residency at the hotel’s restaurant that runs until Saturday.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His work on The Traitors U.S. won him an Emmy last year for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Bacon will partake in a career retrospective, looking back at his works from Footloose to the upcoming Amazon series The Bondsman.
    Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near occupation

Cite this Entry

“Occupation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupation. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on occupation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!