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Definitions

occupy

[ok-yuh-pahy] / ˈɒk yəˌpaɪ /
VERB
be busy with
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attend employ fill involve take up
STRONG
absorb amuse busy divert engage engross entertain immerse interest monopolize preoccupy soak utilize
WEAK
be active with be concerned with hold attention keep busy tie up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignore
STRONG
bore forget refuse reject
WEAK
be inactive be lazy idle not use
VERB
reside; use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cover establish fill hold inhabit involve keep maintain own populate remain sit stay
STRONG
dwell ensconce people permeate pervade possess tenant utilize
WEAK
be established be in command be in residence live in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon depart desert forget ignore leave move
WEAK
not use
VERB
seize, take over
Synonyms
STRONGEST
capture conquer hold invade keep overrun
STRONG
garrison obtain
WEAK
take possession
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon give up let go release retreat surrender yield

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.

One woman finished 20 books from a library that producers keep on set to help extras occupy themselves between shots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“AI has been helpful in creating thematically surreal images that occupy a dream space rather than a literal space,” Soderbergh said.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Of the rump of 55 seats Fidesz will occupy in the new Parliament, currently only 12 are from individual constituencies, and the rest are from the party lists.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Some have wondered how McIlroy would deal with the additional responsibilities which occupy the reigning champion.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Those abandoned flimsy barracks at Manzanar occupy my brain.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Vocabulary lists containing occupy

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!