abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.
walking about with an abstracted air
preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.
too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal
absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.
an absent stare
absent-minded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.
so absent-minded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes
distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.
was too distracted by grief to continue working
Example Sentences
too preoccupied with her worries to enjoy the meal
Recent Examples on the WebAt the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with schedules bare and more time at home, Americans became preoccupied with baking their own bread. Brooklyn White, Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 The country was more preoccupied with controlling gas, oil, telecommunications, finance, and traditional media.Wired, 20 July 2022 Why, then, is YouTube so preoccupied with lassoing every star that falls off the Twitch bandwagon? Nathan Grayson, Washington Post, 15 July 2022 Market watchers have become preoccupied with figuring out which cohorts of investors are getting hurt the most during the current crypto winter. Vildana Hajric, Fortune, 15 June 2022 Market watchers have become preoccupied with figuring out which cohorts of investors are getting hurt the most during the current crypto winter. Vildana Hajric, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2022 Or even just totally preoccupied with a new job or local drama. Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 13 June 2022 And emasculation had no place in Italian Futurism, the bizarre and nationalist art movement founded by Marinetti in 1909 on the belief that Italy could never gain primacy if its feeble men were so preoccupied with history and tradition. Amanda Arnold, Bon Appétit, 23 June 2022 That's not the only parallel between the two princesses—like Diana, Sisi lived with a severe eating disorder, and was very preoccupied with maintaining her figure and beauty at all costs. Emma Dibdin, Town & Country, 4 Aug. 2022 See More