preoccupied

adjective

pre·oc·cu·pied | \ (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd

Definition of preoccupied

1 : previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense —used of a biological generic or specific name

2a : lost in thought also : absorbed in some preoccupation

b : already occupied

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about preoccupied

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Synonyms & Antonyms for preoccupied

Synonyms

absent, absentminded, abstracted, distracted

Antonyms

alert

Choose the Right Synonym for preoccupied

abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absentminded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. 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 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 absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters. an absent stare 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 distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety. was too distracted by grief to continue working

Examples of preoccupied in a Sentence

too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal

Recent Examples on the Web

One advocates creating antihate groups that would attempt to engage with the hate communities, in theory keeping them too preoccupied to actively recruit. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "‘Dark pools’ of hate flourish online. Here are four controversial ways to fight them," 22 Aug. 2019 The Trump administration has been less preoccupied with helping companies invest in China and more worried about increasing exports of American goods to the country. — Keith Bradsher, New York Times, "Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier, Reaches Out to Trump and Business," 2 July 2019 While the brain specialist in White’s play responds with a great deal of denial and defensive lashing out, Ross’ Didion is mild and contemplative, preoccupied but precise and candid almost to a fault. — Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, "Review: Aurora goes deep into grief in Joan Didion play," 28 June 2019 Around 54 percent of male directors think shareholders are too preoccupied with the subject, compared to just 20 percent of female directors. — NBC News, "What happens when there are more women than men in the board room?," 6 June 2019 Luckily, the rest of the world was too preoccupied with the exciting news about the family's new addition to notice (read: care) about the mistake. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Everyone Missed This Major Mistake About Meghan and Harry's Baby on the Royal Family's Website," 8 May 2019 But, mainly, July was spent preoccupied with one thing and one thing only. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, "How Did Timothée Chalamet Spend 2018? We’re So Glad You Asked," 10 Dec. 2018 And elsewhere, America’s center of power kept doing business, perhaps too busy, uninterested, or preoccupied to drop everything and glue themselves to the television screens beaming out a stunning moment in U.S. history. — Celeste Katz, Glamour, "A Tale of Two Cities: A Snapshot of Washington D.C. On the Historic Kavanaugh-Ford Hearing Day," 27 Sep. 2018 Ultimately, advocates say, many people in poverty are too preoccupied trying to survive to worry about nutrition. — Alfred Lubrano, Philly.com, "Attacking people in poverty for buying birthday cakes and other treats with food stamps," 17 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preoccupied.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for preoccupied

preoccupied

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of preoccupied

: thinking about something a lot or too much

See the full definition for preoccupied in the English Language Learners Dictionary

preoccupied

adjective

pre·oc·cu·pied | \ prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd

Kids Definition of preoccupied

: thinking about or worrying about one thing a great deal The kittens played right in front of him, but the Emperor was too preoccupied to notice.— Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat

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preoccupied

Definition of preoccupied

Synonyms & Antonyms for preoccupied

Choose the Right Synonym for preoccupied

Examples of preoccupied in a Sentence

First Known Use of preoccupied

English Language Learners Definition of preoccupied

Kids Definition of preoccupied

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