OCCUPYING Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

occupying

verb

present participle of occupy

as in interesting

to hold the attention of a puzzle will occupy that child for hours

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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 occupying The alerts have piled up, with cyclospora occupying much of the attention this year, as the parasitic infection gave explosive diarrhea to people in 48 states. — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The Ulta shop had expanded to 610 Target stores, each occupying about 1,000 square feet. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Pro football represents about 50% of the website’s traffic, while the NBA and MLB are the next most popular, occupying about 35% to 40% combined. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The incoming player would also need a high work rate, occupying the opposition and leaving them on edge. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Rivian Normal Factory, Illinois Rivian’s Normal, Illinois, factory is a major EV production hub occupying the former Mitsubishi Motors manufacturing complex. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 In addition to Formula 1-standard safety barriers on the track, GPX Stream sends a driver’s in-car data and video to the pit lane, where Macleod can review braking, balance and line without occupying the passenger seat. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 That could determine whether the microdrama might be here to stay, occupying a new lane in an industry starved for jobs. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Israel launched a ground invasion and is now occupying dozens of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, many of which have been almost completely demolished. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for occupying

Verb

Flight attendant and travel industry veteran of 17 years Desiree Miller recommends finding a way to redirect your attention by blocking out unwanted sounds and immersing yourself in your favorite music or podcast.

— Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026
For a famous California music festival, Tons’ team installed the Antarctic Dome, a space where festivalgoers could get away from the heat while immersing themselves in a display of stunning visual art.

— K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of immersing

Verb

The female forward is in front of the camera, behind the camera, really getting women, intriguing them to come to the service and watch.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Definition of intriguing

Verb

Salesforce and other software stocks have perked up over the past month, as sentiment around the group improved for a couple of reasons, including a Reuters report on take-private talks involving HR software provider Workday .

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
After a four-year absence from British television following a horror crash involving former host Andrew Flintoff, the BBC said that work is underway on a new season.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of involving

Verb

Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.

— Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025

Definition of fascinating

Verb

The song vamps where Railings used to weave and wind, its ever-busying rhythm section building tension atop its harmonic simplicity.

— Craig Heed, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
Had Steve Smith been fit and available to play, then the 31-year-old would have been patrolling another part of the field; maybe busying himself in the covers, or chirping away from under a lid at short leg.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025

Definition of busying

Verb

Set on 21 acres along the Glyfada seafront, the resort features elegant low-slung architecture, natural materials, and retro-chic details, attracting a stylish clientele like Kate Hudson.

— Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
But there's an enormous difference between attracting attention and building a sustainable career.

— Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of attracting

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occupy

occupying

occur

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“Occupying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occupying. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of occupying

verb

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