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
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025
Situated well above the bustle of Mykonos busiest towns, this one-bedroom suite offers a front-row seat to the golden hour.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 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
Emporium Selection Summer Gouda Assortment A good cheese ready in your fridge for guests, whether expected or not, can make a world of difference for a busy host.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025
Situated well above the bustle of Mykonos busiest towns, this one-bedroom suite offers a front-row seat to the golden hour.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 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
-
This class offers an opportunity to stay active and engaged.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Patients today are more informed, connected and engaged.—
Aman Gupta,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Employees can engage with opportunities that interest them, trying out new roles through short-term assignments before committing to a full career change.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
While working on 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, Phillips said, Callis and Henderson would devolve into fits of laughter whenever Phillips tried to talk to Grant or Firth, who played Bridget’s love interests Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcy, respectively.—
John Russell,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This means investors need to conduct diligent research into both financial and ethical factors.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Kai seems like a sweet kid — a diligent server, a talented performer, loyal to Paula despite being tempted by her best friend, Olivia (played by Sydney Sweeney).—
Eddie Mouradian,
Vulture,
7 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
-
Increasing one’s protein intake requires an annoying amount of foresight, a willingness to experience short-term displeasure, or both.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This eye-rolling, annual chore is annoying, obviously, but also tied to the functioning of government.—
Made by History,
Time,
15 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
-
No materials from the first season’s version of Jackson, which was built in Canmore, Alberta, were retained when production moved to British Columbia for season two, so Macauley and his team had to construct a thriving Jackson from scratch before production started in February 2024.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2025
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These issues require immediate, thoughtful leadership to ensure a fair and thriving future for all Fort Worthians.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 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 2 May. 2025.
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