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Definitions

occupy

[ok-yuh-pahy] / ˈɒk yəˌpaɪ /
VERB
be busy with
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attend employ fill involve take up
STRONG
absorb amuse busy divert engage engross entertain immerse interest monopolize preoccupy soak utilize
WEAK
be active with be concerned with hold attention keep busy tie up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignore
STRONG
bore forget refuse reject
WEAK
be inactive be lazy idle not use
VERB
reside; use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cover establish fill hold inhabit involve keep maintain own populate remain sit stay
STRONG
dwell ensconce people permeate pervade possess tenant utilize
WEAK
be established be in command be in residence live in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon depart desert forget ignore leave move
WEAK
not use
VERB
seize, take over
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capture conquer hold invade keep overrun
STRONG
garrison obtain
WEAK
take possession
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon give up let go release retreat surrender yield

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.

They occupy a wide range of environments on land and in water.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

It means they will effectively take the place of the fourth‑bottom team - the position they currently occupy - even if they collect enough points to finish outside the relegation zone.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Services also play a bigger role in the consumer economy: Businesses that provide services now occupy more retail space than stores selling goods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

In addition to Raman, three other DSA-backed politicians now occupy seats on the 15-member City Council.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

I don’t know how to occupy my mind without my whole self being busy.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.