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

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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

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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

Stay preoccupied with limitless activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and antique shopping. Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Amenities: Private balcony/patio, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, fire pit, BBQ grill Distance From NYC: 1.5 hours by car. —

Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024 Indeed, no one is more preoccupied with such star power than Donald Trump himself, who basks in the adulation and approval of luminaries who support him and regularly lashes out at those who don’t. —

Brian Lowry, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

Every year of the team’s existence—with the exception of 1939 to 1944, when the world was preoccupied with World War II—the Lions have been a part of Thanksgiving games. —

Chris Morris, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2024 In the game’s narrative, Piglet observes his friends (Pooh, Tigger, Eeore, Rabbit and Roo) preoccupied by their various interests. —

Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preoccupied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupied

Adjective

Accidents are on the rise: The number and severity of collisions have gone up, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fueled by more distracted driving and rising speed limits.

Liz Knueven, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024
But Russia’s commitment to Syria has not actually wavered, and Russia is not really distracted.

Nicole Grajewski, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024