1
as in busy
involved in often constant activity
a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied
on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hurrying
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 bustling
New Atlas,
7 June 2026
Its story started in 1990, when former mayor Bill Frederick talked the City Council into buying it from a Sarasota toy store with plans to build a bustling streetcar system in the City Beautiful.
—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
The quiet rural property is just outside the bustling coastal town of Otranto, and is run by a mother and her two daughters.
—
Madeline Fass,
Vogue,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
Located in the bustling Chinese city of Hangzhou, the Prism contains 43,000 sq m (almost 463,000 sq ft) of floorspace, which is divided between hotel accommodation, residential units, offices, and retail space.
—
New Atlas,
7 June 2026
Its story started in 1990, when former mayor Bill Frederick talked the City Council into buying it from a Sarasota toy store with plans to build a bustling streetcar system in the City Beautiful.
—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
Verb
The rebrand is still finding its footing as businesses learn how to balance a peaceful escape into farmland with a bustling tourism industry.
—
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2026
The quiet rural property is just outside the bustling coastal town of Otranto, and is run by a mother and her two daughters.
—
Madeline Fass,
Vogue,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
-
Cohen said Humble Robotics is working to make cabless vehicles applicable to public roads, particularly those surrounding the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
-
If there is a busy period during the day, let children know in advance and then follow through by setting aside time later to connect.
Adjective
-
The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
-
Hudson Square is a thriving and buzzing creative hub–and the Dominick’s Street Art Search is designed so their guests could experience exactly that.
Verb
-
Best Amazon Prime Day Home Deals Amazon’s home department is bursting with steep Prime Day deals today.
-
Always turn off the electricity and water supply line and remove nearby light fixtures when dealing with bursting ceiling pipes to avoid accidental electrocution.
Verb
-
Set over the course of eight years (including the lockdown period during COVID), Herry’s film unfolds fluidly, neither hurrying scenes up unnecessarily, nor lingering too long on any incident.
-
No point hurrying toward a resolution that was always receding.
Adjective
-
For the fathers who have flocked to his page, his messages about continuing to show up as an engaged parent have clearly struck a chord.
-
More importantly, the entire team became more engaged, decisive and effective.
Adjective
-
See the scene inside the game Our photographers are in the stadium to capture all the action — including some pretty vibrant fan outfits.
-
Amarelo brought the World Cup's vibrant spirit to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in New York.
Verb
-
Three centuries later, the librarians of Alexandria took charge of the text, collating competing versions, marking doubtful lines, imposing a measure of order on the teeming verses.
-
Of course, that won’t stop orange-and-blue-blooded Knicks fans from teeming into the area near the team’s Manhattan arena to watch on bar TVs and big screens as their team — playing 1,580 miles (2,545 kilometers) away in San Antonio — looks to clinch its first title in 53 years.
Verb
-
Prosecutors say Wilburn was traveling about 100 mph on Cherry Valley Boulevard with lights and sirens activated, responding to a report of a shooting.
-
Drivers are reminded to exercise patience, remain attentive and use caution while traveling through the area.
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
