as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to rush
to proceed or move quickly
the hostess bustled about, taking care of last-minute preparations for the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bustle
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
From the secluded and quiet location to the calming interiors, the property embodies the idea of a retreat in every sense, inviting moments of respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2026
Megan Janetsky,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
As Boston became a bustling port city, the tradition of the rich, sweet, but inexpensive meal grew in popularity with sailors from around the world.
—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Noun
Scenes of furious sketching, intricate designs of delicate cutouts and swirling shapes and fabrics, pinning, sewing and the bustle of runway shows alternate with fretting about how to pay the rent.
—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
From the secluded and quiet location to the calming interiors, the property embodies the idea of a retreat in every sense, inviting moments of respite away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2026
Verb
The thunderous cry rings out over a crowd gathered in front of a television propped up on plastic tables and past a maze of vendors lining a bustling working-class neighborhood in downtown Mexico City.
—
Megan Janetsky,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
As Boston became a bustling port city, the tradition of the rich, sweet, but inexpensive meal grew in popularity with sailors from around the world.
—
Tracy Grant,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustle
Noun
-
By this time, multiple police officers had arrived on the scene, according to a convenience store clerk who witnessed the commotion outside.
-
Seeing the commotion, Louis and Paul came galloping back.
Verb
-
Swirl it into a sauce à la minute, at most—heat will burst the eggs and reduce texture contrast.
-
The second half was a completely different story, bursting with action on both ends of the pitch.
Verb
-
After Sunday’s draw, coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team had to rush to the airport since it was ordered to be back in Mexico before the streetlights came on.
-
Friends said he had been rushed to the hospital on June 12, where doctors discovered a serious undiagnosed heart condition.
Noun
-
Golt could not say what the disturbance was about.
-
However, in the eastern Pacific basin, a pair of tropical disturbances are being watched for possible development in the next several days far from land.
Verb
-
Mosquitos buzz in, emerging from eggs laid in stagnant water across the region.
-
London draws more than 30 million visitors annually, and along with its buzzing energy and endless opportunities comes one of the world’s most exciting food scenes.
Verb
-
But hurry—some of our favorites are already selling out!
-
But hurry, sizes are selling out quickly on Madewell.
Noun
-
The cover girl, who is drawn on the box, has created a stir.
-
Rag and Bone’s Miramar line has caused a stir among celebrities and editors alike since its debut a few years ago.
Verb
-
As his family and doctors exited the room, the humming machine lowered a ring around his body.
-
Paper-thin hotel walls, hallway chatter, humming AC units—travel comes with plenty of sleep interruptions.
Cite this Entry
“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustle. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
