PREOCCUPIED Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'preoccupied' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of preoccupied are absentminded , absent , abstracted , and distracted . While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others. // too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

Q: When would 'absent' be a good substitute for 'preoccupied'?

Although the words absent and preoccupied have much in common, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters. // an absent stare

Q: In what contexts can 'absentminded' take the place of 'preoccupied'?

The meanings of absentminded and preoccupied largely overlap; however, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness. // so absentminded , he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

Q: When is 'abstracted' a more appropriate choice than 'preoccupied'?

The words abstracted and preoccupied can be used in similar contexts, but abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters. // walking about with an abstracted air

Q: When is it sensible to use 'distracted' instead of 'preoccupied'?

While in some cases nearly identical to preoccupied , distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety. // was too distracted by grief to continue working

preoccupied 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd

Definition of preoccupied next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preoccupied

2 of 2

verb

past tense of preoccupy

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word preoccupied distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of preoccupied are absentminded, absent, abstracted, and distracted. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

When would absent be a good substitute for preoccupied?

Although the words absent and preoccupied have much in common, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

In what contexts can absentminded take the place of preoccupied?

The meanings of absentminded and preoccupied largely overlap; however, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When is abstracted a more appropriate choice than preoccupied?

The words abstracted and preoccupied can be used in similar contexts, but abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When is it sensible to use distracted instead of preoccupied?

While in some cases nearly identical to preoccupied, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

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 preoccupied

Adjective

Most are simply too preoccupied with the realities of getting by, Gale Spotted Tail told me. —

Tim Madigan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 Unfortunately, a lot of Americans were pretty preoccupied with a different birthday. —

Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 7 July 2024

Verb

Montgomery’s ability as a power-hitter was somewhat lost in Boston, where fans are preoccupied with outfielder Roman Anthony, shortstop Marcelo Mayer and the versatile Kristian Campbell. —

Phil Rogers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Advertisement The rapid advance by insurgents is a stunning reversal of fortunes for Syria’s President Bashar Assad, who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts. —

Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preoccupied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied

Adjective

On the road:This confusing road sign warns of a hidden winter weather danger How much distracted driving increases during holidays and events Unable to view our graphics?

Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
Musk is already the most distracted CEO in the world, though, and his governmental role won’t make that better.

Brad Templeton, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024