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
The work will require volunteers, many of whom will be preoccupied by their own losses, Wardlaw acknowledged, but he sees the work ahead as a tiny act of defiance against all the fire’s terrible destruction.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2025
"Write-in responses showed that consumers continued to be preoccupied with rising prices in general, and for grocery and gasoline prices in particular," said Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board.
From Reuters • Oct. 31, 2023
“They know perfectly well if the people are hungry, they will be preoccupied only by their hunger.”
From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023
Dustfinger pretended to be preoccupied with pulling a loose thread from his coat sleeve.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
