busy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbi-zē How to pronounce busy (audio)
Definition of busynext
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

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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

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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

busy

2 of 2

verb

as in to interest
to hold the attention of the video game busied the child for hours

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 busy
Adjective
The Isis’s selling points went beyond just its affordable tickets or its prime location on the busy North Sichuan Road, which was easily accessible by a central tram route. —H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 3 June 2025 Since then, the Trump White House has been busy proving my point. —Miles Taylor, Time, 3 June 2025
Verb
So how can busy professionals integrate wellness into the fast pace of their work lives? —Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The longtime wife and main caregiver of actor Gene Hackman, Arakawa had busied herself with errands that day: Sending an email, stopping at the pharmacy, doing some grocery shopping. —Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
  1. engaged
  2. interest
  3. diligent
  4. vibrant
  5. annoying
  6. occupy
  7. thriving
  8. officious
Adjective
  • Players like Jefferson, who do not have to show up for these voluntary sessions, are not only present but engaged.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Yes, rewarding users with tokens costs companies, but the trade-off is a loyal, engaged audience.
    — Matvii Diadkov, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of engaged
Verb
  • One name that could interest Golden State is guard Derrick White from the Boston Celtics.
    — Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Perhaps Trump's memo will surface more novel tactics that interest the administration.
    — Ashley Belanger – May 20, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2025
Definition of interest
Adjective
  • Most of us who are mindful of the sun are likely diligent about our SPF application — and reapplication — on areas like our noses and the tops of our ears.
    — Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • Shooting for 14 hours means Miller and her makeup artist, Kasey Spickard, have to be very diligent about her base routine.
    — Tayler Adigun, Essence, 28 May 2025
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • Get a grip on this vibrant trend with designer tips for using colorful hardware in your home.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
  • The vibrant nightlife scene was rounded out each day of runway shows and networking opportunities, with Miami’s legendary party culture infusing the Swim Week energy.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of vibrant
Adjective
  • While the wrinkling could be slightly annoying for some, given the luxurious feel of the sateen cover, the wrinkling wasn’t a deal breaker.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
  • For anyone with wide feet who’s used to settling for less in terms of fit, this slip-on style is a breath of fresh air—no annoying break-in period, no hotspots, and no slipping around.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 29 May 2025
Definition of annoying
Verb
  • In a space formerly occupied by the finance ministry, a towering glass ceiling shelters statues that once cavorted in open courtyards.
    — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
  • Nearly the entire Republican Party, which occupied about seventy percent of congressional seats, voted for it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
Definition of occupy
Adjective
  • Those early investments in community development and youth engagement laid the foundation for what is now a thriving professional ecosystem.
    — Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Josh Kraft will deliver a more livable and thriving city for all Bostonians.
    — Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025
Definition of thriving
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
Definition of officious

Browse Nearby Words

busty
busy
busybodies
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Cite this Entry

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

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