as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to rush
to proceed or move quickly
the hostess bustled about, taking care of last-minute preparations for the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 bustle
Solcyré Burga, Time, 9 May 2025
This environment is often a much calmer way to start your day than the bustle of the breakfast buffet.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Despite the Carlton hotel bustling as the beating heart of Cannes during the film festival, Rüya is not planning any splashy events.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Noun
In the predawn hush of a military base, long before the bustle of morning drills, LeAnne Withrow would quietly slip into the women’s shower room.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 9 May 2025
This environment is often a much calmer way to start your day than the bustle of the breakfast buffet.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
The Prevost home already was bustling with two little boys when the youngest son, Robert Francis, was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Despite the Carlton hotel bustling as the beating heart of Cannes during the film festival, Rüya is not planning any splashy events.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustle
Noun
-
After 'tremendous commotion,' Cassie screamed, 'Isn't anybody seeing this?' Some of the most compelling testimony has come from former Combs former personal assistant, George Kaplan.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
-
Video footage from that day shows commotion and ICE agents entangled with members of Congress and their staff.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Broadcast integrations included Stitch bursting onto the sets of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and SportsCenter.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
25 May 2025
-
The appendix can burst within 24 hours or less of symptoms starting.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
Questions rushed through my head: What are my clothes going to look like?—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
-
Medics rushed Ellis to Jamaica Hospital but he could not be saved.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
The northeastern beach tiger beetle’s inability to endure human disturbance has wiped it out everywhere except three remote corners of the U.S., one of which is Hughlett Point.—
Simon Davidson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
-
This tactic is best for certain veggies and flowers like tomatoes and marigolds that can handle some root disturbance; other plants have more sensitive roots that won't tolerate transplanting well, such as root vegetables.—
Viveka Neveln,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
May 25, 2025 Read more: Pacers Legend Reveals Major Criticism for Tyrese Haliburton After Game 3 Loss Fans have been buzzing about the video and getting a good laugh out of it.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
-
This is an excellent time to set out for this buzzing city on Puget Sound.—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Snag a pair before the sale ends on May 26 at 8 a.m. Eastern, and hurry, because popular styles and sizes are sure to fly off the (virtual) shelves.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
Aunt Phoebe hurries the girls home — to their residences and to the Red Center — before any cloak-red blood gets spilled.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Spacey’s visit to Cannes, which Variety understands could even include a red carpet appearance at the Palais, is likely to cause something of a stir.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
18 May 2025
-
His comments caused such a stir that team owner John Henry flew to meet with Devers in Kansas City, where the team was playing last week.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
By the 16th century, drone also came to mean a dull, continuous humming sound, and later, someone blindly follows orders similar to a bee.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
This is a humdinger of a pollinator plant, attracting not only humming bees and butterflies, but a host of other insects, too.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustle. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share