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
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 July 2025
The schedule partly overlaps with the reserve’s busiest season and a time when the Coastal Commission tends to prohibit development to maximize parking and open space for public use.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Tom Roland, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Aha! This spring, as Musk has busied himself dismantling parts of the United States government, signs of discontent with the world’s richest man have stealthily appeared across London’s public-transport network.
—Anna Russell, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
Fans are excited for what’s going to be a busy rest of the year for Kid Cudi.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 July 2025
The schedule partly overlaps with the reserve’s busiest season and a time when the Coastal Commission tends to prohibit development to maximize parking and open space for public use.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Verb
Liz busied herself in another room while Miller and the Warrens worked with Cooper.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Aha! This spring, as Musk has busied himself dismantling parts of the United States government, signs of discontent with the world’s richest man have stealthily appeared across London’s public-transport network.
—Anna Russell, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
Unlike other collabs or license deals where a celebrity or brand just adds their logo to a product, J Balvin has been very engaged at every step of the process.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
After Goldman placed a veil on Hilliker, the engaged couple entered a room full of their friends cheering them on.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Use LinkedIn’s alumni search to find people in industries or roles that interest you.—
Jill Tipograph,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Sign up here and bet $5 on Mariners-Yankees, Mets-Orioles or any other matchup that interests you, and get $150 in bonus bets credited to your account if your initial wager wins.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Although resilience often looks like luck or good character, the ability to prevent or reduce losses from any type of risk entails careful planning and diligent efforts.—
Louis Gritzo,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
The group was not always diligent about following military directives.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Explore vibrant art displays in Saugatuck The diverse local art scene includes galleries, exhibits, studios and public art installations.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
13 July 2025
-
Previous posts online show stunning Trader Joe’s plumeria flowers ranging from vibrant butter yellow to a striking sunset gradient.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Josh — Earnings season is super annoying for trend-following investment strategies.—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
14 July 2025
-
After witnesses identified him as the man who made the gestures, he was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of contacting a minor with intent to commit a lewd act and annoying or molesting a child.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Founded in 2006, the center had previously occupied a single, tiny room on the University Union’s first floor.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
11 July 2025
-
Interrogating the ways different myths occupy their own unique spaces establishes pathways into existences of literary immortality, offering prisms into the art of storytelling.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
In fact, despite its thriving telenovela industry, and many promising starts (see: Charlie’s Angels and 8th & Ocean), Miami has spawned few successful television series outside the realm of reality TV.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
-
Careful attention to water needs is key to keeping 'Everest' Carex healthy and thriving.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
1 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share