preoccupied

[pree-ok-yuh-pahyd] / priˈɒk jəˌpaɪd /

ADJECTIVE

busy; mentally caught up in something

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absorbed bemused distracted engaged engrossed fascinated forgetful obsessed

STRONG

absent abstracted bugged daydreaming immersed lost mooning removed spellbound woolgathering

WEAK

absent-minded airheaded asleep deep distrait faraway have on the brain heedless hung up inconscient intent lost in thought moony oblivious rapt spread-out taken up unaware wrapped-up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bored disenthralled disinterested indifferent uninterested

STRONG

existing

WEAK

observant thoughtful unoccupied

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.

If anything, the upper crust have more time to be artistic — less preoccupied with getting a job and making a living.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

Influenced by then Fed Governor Ben Bernanke, Greenspan became preoccupied with the risk of deflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Our society has once again become disturbingly preoccupied with sex and gender.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Schlamminger skipped the conference's morning sessions, preoccupied with worries about temperature fluctuations, pressure changes, and other tiny effects that might distort the results.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Thus preoccupied with worry and hazy minded from lack of sleep, Penelope gathered her fishing pole, bait, and bucket.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing preoccupied

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

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I Am Malala

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