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

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

Human rights lawyer Bhavani Fonseka said protests have been subdued because people are preoccupied with the day-to-day challenge of securing supplies.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

The question of “likeness” had preoccupied scientists and philosophers for centuries.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Vocabulary lists containing preoccupied

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

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I Am Malala

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