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
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
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
The company will be quite busy once the first one comes online.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 May 2025
Jason Chau, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
In addition to helping customers with their plant selections, Mejia also rings them up at the register and then busies herself with tidying and organizing the shop.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
This one is too busy careening all over the tonal map for any of that.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025
The company will be quite busy once the first one comes online.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
Felix Studios/Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island Active guests will find plenty to busy themselves with, including opportunities to fish, kayak, paddleboard, and even scuba dive.
—Jason Chau, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
In addition to helping customers with their plant selections, Mejia also rings them up at the register and then busies herself with tidying and organizing the shop.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
Yes, rewarding users with tokens costs companies, but the trade-off is a loyal, engaged audience.—
Matvii Diadkov,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
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
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
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
-
Now, perhaps more than ever, investors need to be diligent in an increasingly speculative market.—
David Trainer,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
If your travel wardrobe skews neutral, this vibrant set is the perfect way to shake things up.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
26 May 2025
-
The actress recently stepped out in Los Angeles wearing a vibrant orange halter-neck bathing suit from Lands’ End.—
Jennifer Chan,
People.com,
26 May 2025
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
Verb
-
The Industrialist Facing the Barclays Center, The Industrialist occupies a four-story warehouse reimagined as an artist's sanctuary.—
Malik Peay,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
-
One notable holdover from the prior films is providing a thread of lesbian desire, though Megan’s unrequited pining for Lori occupies a more marginal place in the narrative this time around.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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
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 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share