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verb

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a busy place
a bustling place
a lively place
a hectic place
a crowded place
a congested place
a busy intersection
a bustling intersection
a crowded intersection
a congested intersection
a jammed intersection
a hectic intersection
a busy week
a hectic week
an eventful week
a productive week
a big week
a long week

Synonym Chooser

How is the word busy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of busy are assiduous, diligent, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

When would assiduous be a good substitute for busy?

While in some cases nearly identical to busy, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

In what contexts can diligent take the place of busy?

The words diligent and busy can be used in similar contexts, but diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Where would industrious be a reasonable alternative to busy?

The synonyms industrious and busy are sometimes interchangeable, but industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When could sedulous be used to replace busy?

The words sedulous and busy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application.

a sedulous investigation of the murder

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of busy
Adjective
Even appliances, produce, and cookbooks—though certainly at home in this space—might be giving your kitchen a busy appearance. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024 The Work Project wasn’t about galas or red carpets; instead, their construction work kept them busy swinging hammers and driving nails. Sally Susman, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
In spite of all the legal troubles, Diddy has been busying himself by clearing out his Instagram and going whitewater rafting. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 3 July 2024 Indeed, while fans and pundits have been busying themselves with speculation about the depths of his team loyalty and his future, James has been busy building an economic empire tying himself more fully to Los Angeles. Erika D. Smith, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for busy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
  • The two spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve together as an engaged couple.
    Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Positive Outcomes Research from McKinsey indicates that companies with active and engaged investors frequently outperform competitors.
    Alexander Savin, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As Shutdown Nears More Of North Korea’s Giant Howitzers Roll Into Russia Know who interests you Your target audience should fascinate you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • So movement scores, other types of experimental script writing, different types of notational systems really interest me.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • When deciding to purchase a franchise, conduct diligent research.
    Michael McFall, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Weather gossip filled his incoming mail with friends, like James Madison and Ezra Stiles, who sent diligent reports.
    Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For birdwatchers, a cruise along the Vistula River, Poland's largest river, offers a unique opportunity to observe the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this vibrant ecosystem. 6.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The tragic attack down Bourbon Street in New Orleans occurred in the heart of the city's French Quarter, a bustling area renowned for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural significance.
    Jasmine Laws, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In an attempt to hang loose with the gang at a PMF, you may be exposed to gossipy whispers about the foibles, secrets or annoying idiosyncrasies of fellow execs or co-workers.
    Dr. David Lenihan, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • And Jamie still refuses to apologize for any of the violence, which is very annoying.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • For the first time in history, the entire top 10 on the Hot 100 is occupied by Christmas singles.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • To make room for a primary suite that occupies the second level, Taft-Gersten added a dormer at the back of the house to accommodate ample closets, a sitting area, and a deluxe bathroom.
    Stacie Stukin, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium's sea otter rehabilitation program also released 37 pops into the Slough, helping create a thriving and robust community.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Thousands of businesses like ours flourish in a thriving production environment.
    Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023
  • Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near busy

Cite this Entry

“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 10 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on busy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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