preoccupied
adjective
pre·oc·cu·pied
(ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd 
1
: previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense
—used of a biological generic or specific name
2
a
: lost in thought
also
: absorbed in some preoccupation
b
: already occupied
Examples of preoccupied in a Sentence
too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, no one is more preoccupied with such star power than Donald Trump himself, who basks in the adulation and approval of luminaries who support him and regularly lashes out at those who don’t.
—
Brian Lowry, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
And Beltran seems very preoccupied with making sure that Amelia knows she’s not taken.
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Researchers suggest that a narcissist’s attachment style can fuel their infidelity—specifically, preoccupied, fearful and dismissive attachment styles.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
That’s great modeling because, when comforting a friend who is coping with a recent loss, many people become too preoccupied with what to say, Cormier says.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preoccupied 
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.
Brian Lowry, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
And Beltran seems very preoccupied with making sure that Amelia knows she’s not taken.
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Researchers suggest that a narcissist’s attachment style can fuel their infidelity—specifically, preoccupied, fearful and dismissive attachment styles.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
That’s great modeling because, when comforting a friend who is coping with a recent loss, many people become too preoccupied with what to say, Cormier says.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preoccupied
Dictionary Entries Near preoccupied
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupied.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupied. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preoccupied
adjective
pre·oc·cu·pied
(ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpīd
1
: lost in thought : engrossed
2
: already occupied
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share