to be in possession or control of a place, to fill or take up a space or time

Formal and Informal Expressions of occupying

In different contexts, you can replace 'occupying' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'possessing, holding' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'having, keeping' is a commonplace synonym.

occupying: Explore its Definition & Usage

occupying Definition

1to be in possession or control of a place
2to fill or take up a space or time

Using occupying: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "occupying" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The army is occupying the city.
Example
The building has been occupied by squatters.
Example
She occupies the position of CEO.
Example
The book occupies a prominent place on the shelf.
Example
The meeting will occupy most of the morning.

occupying Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for occupying

Antonyms for occupying

Phrases with occupying

occupy oneself with
to keep oneself busy with something
Example
She occupied herself with gardening during the lockdown.
occupy the throne
to be the reigning monarch
Example
Queen Elizabeth II has occupied the throne since 1952.
occupied territory
a region that is under the control of a foreign military power
Example
The West Bank is an occupied territory.

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Summary: occupying in Brief

The verb 'occupying' [ˈɑːkjupaɪɪŋ] refers to being in possession or control of a place, as in 'The army is occupying the city.' It can also mean filling or taking up a space or time, as in 'The meeting will occupy most of the morning.' The phrase 'occupy oneself with' means to keep oneself busy with something, while 'occupy the throne' means to be the reigning monarch. 'Occupied territory' refers to a region that is under the control of a foreign military power.