be preoccupied

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The turnover has led to rapid elevations for some commanders who are less experienced and are likely to be preoccupied with stabilizing morale and enforcing loyalty across the rank and file.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

The work will require volunteers, many of whom will be preoccupied by their own losses, Wardlaw acknowledged, but he sees the work ahead as a tiny act of defiance against all the fire’s terrible destruction.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2025

“And when you do that, you can’t be preoccupied anymore about, ‘Oh my God, I feel so horrible.’”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2023

Now I think that while we certainly shouldn’t be preoccupied with policing microaggressions or silencing contrarian viewpoints, we need to take the comfort of students far more seriously.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2022

And his father...his father would always be preoccupied with conquest—and wouldn’t stop until every continent bore Adarlan’s flag.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas