as in obsessions
something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned
the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age
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Recent Examples of preoccupations
Though each songwriter’s individual preoccupations and quirks are on display here, the interplay between Adducci and Grigoroff makes this feel like a joint effort.
—
David Harris, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2026
More important, Paul’s preoccupations with the politics of circumcision, and with Jewish ritual generally, seem to fit badly within a first-century, pre-Jewish War context.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Amid all those preoccupations for his physical performance, Ortiz also had to deliver his lines and be present in the moment, reacting to Gosling with spontaneity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
These larger sociopolitical preoccupations remain just under the surface, never stepping fully into the foreground to take over the spotlight.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Stocks tumbled in February after the latest producer price index showed unexpectedly hot wholesale prices, adding sticky inflation to the list of investors’ recent preoccupations.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
This and other information about U2’s current projects and preoccupations is found in a 54-page revival of the group’s old fanzine, Propaganda, which is available digitally as well as in print in some record shops.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
That much of the internet saw Bad Bunny’s Grammys look as a harbinger for more violence is probably more of a projection of our own preoccupations and fears.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
David Harris, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2026
More important, Paul’s preoccupations with the politics of circumcision, and with Jewish ritual generally, seem to fit badly within a first-century, pre-Jewish War context.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Amid all those preoccupations for his physical performance, Ortiz also had to deliver his lines and be present in the moment, reacting to Gosling with spontaneity.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
These larger sociopolitical preoccupations remain just under the surface, never stepping fully into the foreground to take over the spotlight.
—Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Stocks tumbled in February after the latest producer price index showed unexpectedly hot wholesale prices, adding sticky inflation to the list of investors’ recent preoccupations.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
This and other information about U2’s current projects and preoccupations is found in a 54-page revival of the group’s old fanzine, Propaganda, which is available digitally as well as in print in some record shops.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
That much of the internet saw Bad Bunny’s Grammys look as a harbinger for more violence is probably more of a projection of our own preoccupations and fears.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preoccupations
obsessions
Noun
-
While plenty of star duos grabbed headlines, five stood out as some of the era's obsessions.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Lyrical obsessions such as mortality, decline, and desuetude riddle the songs here.—
David Harris,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preoccupations. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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