Synonyms for

Preoccupied

Verb / pri:ˈɑ:kjʌˌpaɪd / Another word for preoccupied — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Preoccupied means busy or engrossed in thought.

Synonyms & similar words

haunted deepinthought obsessed preoccupy lost bemused takenup distracted engaged immersed absorbed concerned occupied engrossed involved burdened overburdened loaded pre-empted held gripped consumed dominated

Synonyms by register

Formal

engrossed absorbed distracted pensive

Informal

spaced out out of it with your head in the clouds thinking about something else

Literary

brooding ruminative lost in thought

Antonyms

unconcerned carefree relaxed easygoing attentive present oblivious

Common collocations

  • preoccupied with
  • preoccupied mind
  • deeply preoccupied
  • preoccupied with work
  • preoccupied with thoughts
  • preoccupied with the past

Word family

noun preoccupation
verb preoccupy
adverb preoccupiedly

Usage note

Often used with 'with' to specify what is occupying one's thoughts. It implies a mental state where one's attention is primarily focused elsewhere.

Example sentences

  1. She was preoccupied with her phone and didn't hear her name called.
  2. The teacher was preoccupied with grading papers and didn't notice the students leaving the classroom.
  3. He was preoccupied with his work and forgot about the appointment.
  4. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice the rain.
  5. The athlete was preoccupied with winning the game and didn't pay attention to the pain in his ankle.

Quotes

  • The mind is preoccupied with what is, instead of discovering what may be.
  • The mind is preoccupied with what is, instead of discovering what may be.
  • The mind is preoccupied with what is, instead of discovering what may be.

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