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
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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
Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
My mum busies herself with warm croissants and the waiting crossword.
—Carolyn Figel, Hazlitt, 27 Nov. 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
The evocation of the boy’s impure actions, as well as the undertow of sexuality in both his parish priest’s solicitude and his father’s violence, caught the attention of the censors, who typically busied themselves outlawing pulp erotica.
—Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
My mum busies herself with warm croissants and the waiting crossword.
—Carolyn Figel, Hazlitt, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
When these leaders improve, their teams become more engaged and productive.—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
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
-
Encourage your student to reach out to local professors or professionals in fields that genuinely interest them, rather than focusing solely on prestigious summer programs with low acceptance rates.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
-
What interests me with AI is the uncontrollability.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
24 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
-
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
-
For a vibrant accent, opt for one covered in lemons or a neutral-toned pineapple print — both of which are also on sale.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
27 Mar. 2025
-
That includes the vibrant red, pink and purple waterlilies that draw visitors from around the world, especially from August to November when the flowers are most abundant.—
Tracy Scott Forson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
School groups often occupy the facility from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, so individual guests are encouraged to come at other times.—
Olivia Brandon,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Mar. 2025
-
While the society owns its own building, the Cass County Public Library currently occupies much of the space.—
Jonathan Shorman,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The organization, which was founded four years ago by the parents of Morgan Rodgers, a seemingly thriving women’s lacrosse player at Duke who suffered a serious knee injury before the start of her sophomore year.—
Rich Scherr,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Mar. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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