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
“If he has been arrested and there is no explanation from the top, one can imagine his subordinates might be preoccupied with their own safety not the war.”
From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2023
“They know perfectly well if the people are hungry, they will be preoccupied only by their hunger.”
From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023
“Will you please stop talking about imprisonment? You seem to be preoccupied with the thought. Actually, you seem to enjoy thinking about it. Martyrdom is meaningless in our age.”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
