1
as in engaged
involved in often constant activity
the deadline is in two days, so everyone at work has been extremely busy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
the busy, often hectic floor of the New York Stock Exchange
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intruding
thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited
she's one of those busy production facilitators—always concerned about other people's work and never her own
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to interest
to hold the attention of
the video game busied the child for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a busy intersection
a busy week
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of busy
NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
But now's also the time to plan for a busy spring of must-see TV.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Carolyn Figel, Hazlitt, 27 Nov. 2024
With a bit of a haphazard assembly line of toy horse body parts between the couple, Ahmed expertly attached sticks that made up the horse’s legs, while Fatima busied herself cutting intricate bits of paper to adorn each horse for its full, multi-coloured glory.
—Sonya Rehman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
The fire has caused a power outage at the airport, one of the world's busiest.
—NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
But now's also the time to plan for a busy spring of must-see TV.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
My mum busies herself with warm croissants and the waiting crossword.
—Carolyn Figel, Hazlitt, 27 Nov. 2024
With a bit of a haphazard assembly line of toy horse body parts between the couple, Ahmed expertly attached sticks that made up the horse’s legs, while Fatima busied herself cutting intricate bits of paper to adorn each horse for its full, multi-coloured glory.
—Sonya Rehman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
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When these leaders improve, their teams become more engaged and productive.—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Events like Wednesday’s — Berkshire played one of the PGA Tour’s most prestigious courses in tournament conditions in front of a crowd of hundreds of engaged fans — help push Berkshire toward his goal.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Its financial weakness should interest all Chicagoans; its departures from academic values, and the failures of its leadership structure, should be studied by everyone interested in higher education.—
Clifford Ando,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
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Related Articles Dolphins bringing back two players as exclusive rights free agents Ten prospects who improved their draft stock at the combine — and might interest Dolphins General manager Chris Grier was noncommittal on Holland at his season wrap-up new conference in January.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Some brands are diligent about paying fairly and on time, while others entirely ghost after the work is done or almost offensive offer rates.—
Kristen Bousquet,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Some plants germinate readily outdoors, but still need protection from critters, and diligent attention to watering and weeding.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Jollof rice and smoky suya fuel locals in the vibrant Nigerian city of Lagos (at No. 7).—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025
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The label’s reliable contingent of Hollywood fans, meanwhile, kept it fresh and vibrant and high-status and today includes everyone from Lady Gaga, Elton John and Madonna to Penelope Cruz, Dua Lipa and Blake Lively — and that’s just for starters.—
Laurie Brookins,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Frozen snack foods sold under Whole Foods Market’s 365 store brand got recalled nationwide for not being what the packaging says, an annoying mistake to some people but a possibly fatal one to other customers.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2025
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The Achilles — and any accompanying tendonitis — is the most annoying and concerning issue for a skill player who turns 29 in June.—
Troy Renck,
The Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But people who occupy public spaces thinking that kids won't be a part of it are beyond me.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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Columbia University said students who occupied the campus' Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian protests last spring have been expelled, suspended for several years or had their degrees temporarily revoked.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Naples, with a population north of two million, is a thriving and crowded city, while the twisting and often crowded drive to Sorrento can elevate your blood pressure.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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Here in Salt Lake City, where the backcountry community is large and thriving, skiers post observations to Instagram as well and tag accounts dedicated to increasing the reach of our local knowledge.—
Ashley Thess,
Outdoor Life,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2023
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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
Cite this Entry
“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
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