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
Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2025
Today By Paulina Berges A short jaunt from one of Kyoto’s busiest junctions, Good Nature Hotel is positioned between Gion and Nishiki Market.
—Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 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
Insiders said at the time that Alamo intended to allow laid off staffers to re-apply ahead of a busier summer period.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2025
Today By Paulina Berges A short jaunt from one of Kyoto’s busiest junctions, Good Nature Hotel is positioned between Gion and Nishiki Market.
—Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 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
-
The findings show that those with empathic leaders are more engaged (67% versus 24%), are able to be more innovative (61% versus 13%) at work and can better balance work priorities with personal obligations (86% versus 60%).—
Maria Ross,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The first: having an effective and engaged board of directors.—
Jack Fowler,
National Review,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
-
As always, there’s been chatter about the identity of the season’s inevitable casualty and the circumstances behind their death, which has never been a level on which White Lotus interested me.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond analyzing troves of data to sift through requirements even the most diligent person might miss, AI can proactively respond to requests with lightning speed—a superhuman ability that might have saved Josef K from the state.—
Michael Ashley,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Toney is already a diligent student of the game.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As Fort Worth continues to grow, this area has the potential to become a vibrant hub in the heart of the city—accessible, scenic, and community-focused.—
Kate Marijolovic,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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Stirred into no-bake cheesecake batter, vibrant ube jam delivers a sweet, nutty swirl that tempers the cheesecake’s tang.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Few things are as annoying as a vacuum cleaner that leaves a strip of dust by the baseboards and in the corners.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Ding-dong ditched … well into adulthood—one person rang a neighbor's doorbell repeatedly just to be annoying.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Last spring, Harvard students protesting Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza occupied the university's central courtyard for 20 days and staged a 24-hour sit-in in another building.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The Israeli Defense Forces now claim to occupy some 30% of Gaza territory.—
Lucien Bruggeman,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Here, her thriving rose collection has been a project years in the making—the product of a small, gradual endeavor that soared to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2025
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Since distancing from the royal family, Markle has been working on establishing herself as a thriving business woman.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
8 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.
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