preoccupied

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

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.

But EV sales — despite being the cash engine fueling Tesla’s massive ambitions — have become less of a concern for investors, who are now preoccupied by Tesla’s robotaxi service.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

It’s worth noting that complaints against Live Nation were never solely preoccupied with Ticketmaster divestment.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

Maybe I’m betraying my hopeless rationalism, but if I learned of the reality of time travel and “aerial spirits,” I’d be a little more preoccupied by it than Iris seems to be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

While her classmates were preoccupied with exams, the May ball and where to spend their summers, Franks was worried about making her rent.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

“But my parents are preoccupied and that is why they do not wish anything sneaky to go on.”

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez

Vocabulary lists containing preoccupied

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The Breadwinner

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

I Am Malala

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!