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.

But the betting here is that a viewer will be preoccupied by thinking about the multitude of head injuries someone like Robby would encounter in the E.R., and why he doesn’t wear a helmet himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

“They know perfectly well if the people are hungry, they will be preoccupied only by their hunger.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 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

Kurniasih Mufidayati, a PKS lawmaker and part of parliament’s legislative body, said it was unlikely the bill could be passed by April, as legislators would be preoccupied with other laws.

From Reuters • Mar. 17, 2022

We would have playgrounds, and she would not be preoccupied with our safety, she argued.

From "Tasting the Sky" by Ibtisam Barakat