preoccupied
4 synonyms for preoccupied, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — So absorbed in one's own thoughts or concerns that one pays little attention to anything else.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use preoccupied
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
preoccupied with
looked preoccupied
Frequently asked questions
What does “preoccupied” mean?
The word “preoccupied” means so absorbed in one's own thoughts or concerns that one pays little attention to anything else. In plain terms, distracted because your mind is stuck on something else.
How do you use “preoccupied” in a sentence?
Here is “preoccupied” used in a sentence: “She seemed preoccupied and barely heard what he said.”
What part of speech is “preoccupied”?
“Preoccupied” is an adjective.
Is “preoccupied” a common word?
“Preoccupied” is an uncommon word in modern English.
