Definition of avocationnext
as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure photography is merely an avocation for me—I've never tried to make money off of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of avocation What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South. Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 Dramatically groaning and moaning about the heat in the summer is my avocation. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2024 Wine, however, was an avocation that eventually became part of his portfolio. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024 And the Romans had other, less-objectionable avocations. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for avocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avocation
Noun
  • Reading as a hobby is still a tradition that is alive and well, and the French love showing off their bookshelf wealth.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Incoming freshmen submit a few pictures and a little about themselves, such as hometown, prospective major, hobbies and interests.
    Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the question of criminal referrals, the commission’s report urged DHS to restrict certain ICE and Customs and Border Protection practices, including the use of chemical agents, physical force and vehicle pursuits during civil immigration enforcement.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Tillis, speaking to The Washington Post after the Comey charges were announced, sounded skeptical about the case and seemed to directly link a confirmation vote for Boyle to the pursuit of actual crime.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At this year's event, held at Pura Padel, Holland participated with other BERO higher-ups in a friendly tournament of padel, a racquet sport that's probably best described as a combination of squash and tennis.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • No team in any sport from a City school has ever produced a longer streak and no coach has more City crowns than Kling’s 55 (33 boys, 22 girls).
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • What to see today The park features a variety of outdoor recreation, from boating and diving opportunities on Summersville Lake to hiking and biking trails.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Participatory forms of recreation, the kind that got families out of the house and into the car, had held steady or grown.
    Roland Betancourt, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avocation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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