HOBBY Synonyms | 21 Similar Words (With Examples)

You love doing fun things in your free time, right? In this article, we will explore 21 synonyms for “hobby” that you can use to make your writing more exciting. Words like pastime, interest, and pursuit can fit perfectly.

Pastime

A pastime is an activity you enjoy when you are free. It can help you relax and feel happy. Pastimes are not for work or money; they are just for fun. People choose pastimes that make them smile or feel peaceful. It is also a way to spend time with friends or family. Pastimes can be small, like reading a book, or bigger, like hiking.

• Reading books is my favorite pastime.
• Gardening is a relaxing pastime for her.
• Playing board games is a fun pastime with friends.

Interest

Interest is something that attracts your attention or curiosity. When you have an interest, you feel excited to learn or do it. Interests can change over time, and you can have many at once. They make life enjoyable and keep your mind active. Interests can be hobbies, like painting, or learning new skills.

• He has a strong interest in painting.
• Her interest in music grows every year.
• Children have a natural interest in animals.

Pursuit

A pursuit is a hobby you actively follow or practice. It is something you spend time and effort on because you enjoy it. Pursuits can be personal or shared with others. They give you a sense of purpose and excitement. Many people see their pursuits as important parts of their life. Pursuits can also help you meet new people and learn new things.

• Gardening is her daily pursuit.
• Photography is his favorite pursuit.
• Writing short stories is her creative pursuit.

Recreation

Recreation is an activity done for enjoyment. It helps you relax after work or school. Recreation can be physical, like sports, or calm, like reading. It is important for your body and mind. Everyone needs recreation to feel happy and healthy. Recreation can be done alone or with friends and family.

• Swimming is a great recreation after work.
• Hiking is a fun recreation on weekends.
• Painting is a quiet recreation she enjoys.

Amusement

Amusement is an activity that makes you laugh or feel happy. It is usually fun and light-hearted. Amusement can be watching a movie, playing games, or doing something funny. It helps reduce stress and improves your mood. People seek amusement to feel relaxed. Amusement is also a way to enjoy time with others and have good memories.

• Watching funny movies is his amusement.
• Playing video games is her amusement.
• Visiting an amusement park brings great amusement.

Leisure activity

A leisure activity is something you do when you are free from work or duties. It is meant to refresh your mind and body. Leisure activities can be active, like jogging, or calm, like drawing. Doing leisure activities regularly can make you feel more energetic and happy. You can also try new leisure activities to discover new interests.

• Yoga is her favorite leisure activity.
• Cycling is his weekly leisure activity.
• Cooking is a relaxing leisure activity.

Entertainment

Entertainment is something that keeps you amused or interested. It can be watching, listening, or doing fun activities. Entertainment is different for everyone. Some people enjoy movies, others enjoy games or music. Entertainment is a way to enjoy free time and forget stress. People often share entertainment with friends and family.

• Playing video games is his entertainment.
• Watching theater shows is her entertainment.
• Listening to music is a daily entertainment.

Avocation

An avocation is an activity done outside of work. It is something you enjoy and feel passionate about. Avocations can be hobbies or creative projects. They are personal and help you grow as a person. Many people feel happy and relaxed when they do their avocation. Avocations can also become skills or talents over time.

• She writes poems as an avocation.
• Painting is his favorite avocation.
• Baking cakes is her fun avocation.

Craft

A craft is a creative activity that needs skill. Crafts can be handmade, like knitting, painting, or woodworking. Doing crafts can make you proud and calm. Crafts also give you something beautiful or useful at the end. People often enjoy sharing their crafts with friends or family. Crafts can become hobbies or even small businesses.

• Knitting scarves is a popular craft.
• Wood carving is his favorite craft.
• Making candles is a creative craft.

Pastime interest

A pastime interest is an activity you enjoy in your free time. It is similar to a hobby but focuses on personal enjoyment. Pastime interests help you feel relaxed and happy. You can have more than one pastime interest. They are also a way to learn something new. Pastime interests are a fun way to spend free moments.

• Hiking is his pastime interest.
• Cooking new recipes is her pastime interest.
• Playing guitar is his pastime interest.

Hobbyhorse

A hobbyhorse is an activity someone is very passionate about. It can be a favorite hobby that takes most of your attention. People often talk about their hobbyhorse with excitement. It gives them joy and motivation. Hobbyhorses can be creative, physical, or relaxing. They are usually personal and special to each person.

• Gardening is her hobbyhorse.
• Writing novels is his hobbyhorse.
• Collecting coins is her hobbyhorse.

Recreation pursuit

A recreation pursuit is a fun activity you actively follow. It is done to enjoy your free time and relax. Recreation pursuits can be physical, like sports, or calm, like painting. People often dedicate regular time to their recreation pursuit. It brings happiness and helps you feel refreshed. Recreation pursuits can also connect you with others who like the same activity.

• Fishing is a common recreation pursuit.
• Jogging is his daily recreation pursuit.
• Photography is her weekend recreation pursuit.

Diversion

A diversion is something that distracts you in a fun way. It is usually done to forget stress or worry. Diversions can be games, movies, or outdoor activities. People often look for diversions when they feel tired. Diversions give you a sense of joy and relaxation. They are a simple way to enjoy time alone or with friends.

• Playing chess is a good diversion.
• Watching comedy shows is her diversion.
• Drawing is a quiet diversion he enjoys.

Play

Play is an activity done for fun and enjoyment. It is common for children but also for adults. Play can be physical, like sports, or imaginative, like games. Play helps you feel happy and energetic. People use play to spend time with others or relax alone. Play can be short or long, simple or creative, and always fun.

• Children love outdoor play.
• Adults enjoy board game play.
• Sports are active forms of play.

Occupation

Occupation can also mean an activity you spend time on. It is not always work; it can be a hobby you enjoy. Occupations give you focus and a sense of achievement. People often dedicate hours to their favorite occupation. Occupations can involve learning new skills or meeting people. They help you feel productive and happy while doing something you love.

• Photography is his weekend occupation.
• Painting is her favorite occupation.
• Writing blogs is his new occupation.

Activity

An activity is something you do regularly. It can be fun, relaxing, or creative. Activities give you purpose and enjoyment. They can be part of your routine or something you do occasionally. Activities also help you learn new skills and meet others. Having activities you enjoy is important for a happy life.

• Dancing is a joyful activity.
• Hiking is a healthy activity.
• Cooking new recipes is a creative activity.

Entertainment pursuit

An entertainment pursuit is a fun activity you follow for enjoyment. It keeps you busy and happy. Entertainment pursuits can be watching shows, playing games, or hobbies. They give your free time meaning. People often share their entertainment pursuits with friends and family. It is a way to feel relaxed and excited.

• Singing is her entertainment pursuit.
• Playing video games is his entertainment pursuit.
• Watching movies is their shared entertainment pursuit.

Pastime activity

A pastime activity is something fun you do in your free time. It is an activity that makes you happy and relaxed. Pastime activities can be quiet or active, creative or playful. They help you enjoy your moments and feel positive. People often pick pastime activities that match their mood or interest. They are a natural way to spend time joyfully.

• Drawing is his pastime activity.
• Gardening is her pastime activity.
• Playing soccer is his favorite pastime activity.

Avocational interest

An avocational interest is a hobby or activity done outside your main work. It is something you enjoy deeply and feel connected to. Avocational interests help you feel relaxed, happy, and motivated. People often spend hours on them and learn new skills. Avocational interests can also grow into talents or careers. They are a joyful way to spend free time.

• Collecting stamps is her avocational interest.
• Photography is his avocational interest.
• Painting landscapes is her avocational interest.

Recreation interest

A recreation interest is a fun activity you enjoy in your free time. It can be physical, creative, or relaxing. Recreation interests help you feel happy and refreshed. People often have more than one recreation interest. They can also share them with friends and family. Recreation interests are a great way to spend free time meaningfully.

• Jogging is his recreation interest.
• Playing guitar is her recreation interest.
• Swimming is a weekly recreation interest.

Free-time activity

A free-time activity is an activity you do when you are not busy. It is meant for enjoyment and relaxation. Free-time activities help you feel happy and reduce stress. They can be creative, physical, or calm. People often discover new skills or hobbies through free-time activities. Free-time activities are a simple way to enjoy life and feel good every day.

• Playing guitar is her free-time activity.
• Reading books is his free-time activity.
• Cycling is their favorite free-time activity.

Final Thoughts

Hobbies make life more joyful and relaxing. Using these 21 synonyms can help you talk about your interests in different ways. Each word gives a slightly new feeling. Try using them in conversation or writing. Enjoy exploring your passions and sharing fun activities with others. Life is brighter with hobbies.