1
as in busy
involved in often constant activity
a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in travelling
to proceed or move quickly
the hostess bustled about, taking care of last-minute preparations for the party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bustling
M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
At first glance, the pieces include fragments such as those commonly found in Makola Market, one of Accra’s bustling trade centers.
—Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
But Great Nicobar faces certain destruction as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government plans to construct a container port, an airport, a township, a tourism project, and a power plant on the island—attempting to transform the island into a bustling commercial hub.
—M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Suárez pulled a goal back in the 57th minute, bustling the ball home after good work from Baltasar Rodríguez, and then the Uruguayan leveled with a superb curling shot into the far corner in the 74th minute.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
At first glance, the pieces include fragments such as those commonly found in Makola Market, one of Accra’s bustling trade centers.
—Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
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There’s no better way to bring peace to a busy weeknight, welcome a new neighbor, or be reminded of your childhood than a nostalgic comfort food.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
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Good morning, it's been another busy week in Central Indiana.—
Joe Mutascio,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Just down the hill, West Hollywood has lots of other diversions to keep you entertained and at ease, including award-winning spas, sushi omakase at the always-buzzing Uchi, and endless workout opportunities from group fitness classes to Runyon Canyon hikes.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
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The space itself — bright, polished, and buzzing — sets the tone for a brunch that’s chic without being stiff.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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So with Fenway Park bursting with anticipation on Friday night, the pressure ratcheted up against the Detroit Tigers, Chapman narrowed his focus — not just to the catcher’s mitt, but the laces within its webbing.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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While the first game trafficked in elegant neatness, Hades II is practically bursting at the seams with excess.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Swift, the superstar singer, and Kelce, the three-time Super Bowl champion, became engaged in August.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
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This album is Swift’s first as an engaged woman and her first since the Eras tour concluded in December 2024.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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However, the more vibrant color for color lasers is the most consistent difference between the two.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
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The show was also filmed in color at a time when British TV was resolutely black-and-white, meaning that fans had to imagine the vibrant green, orange, and yellow color schemes of Thunderbirds 2, 3, and 4, respectively, for themselves.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These technologies are revolutionizing humanity’s ability to catalog Earth’s species, which are estimated to number 8 million—though perhaps far, far more—by illuminating the teeming life that so often eludes human observation.—
Marion Renault,
The Atlantic,
29 Sep. 2025
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Rarely has a Premier League meeting in mid-September at Old Trafford felt like a single leg of a straight knock-out cup tie, the teeming rain and dark, heavy sky lending a midwinter feel to proceedings.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That's why Amazon shoppers are hurrying to grab a soft and fluffy comforter for fall.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
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That included blasting through Chargers right tackle Trey Pipkins and hurrying Herbert into a third-down red zone throw that came up short and forced a first-half field goal.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Associations that keep up with laws and embrace diligent management are simply better positioned for long-term stability and sustained owner confidence, even in the face of a shifting and sometimes unpredictable market.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
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Help recognize those keeping Anaheim beautiful Here is an opportunity to compliment and recognize your neighbors for their diligent work on maintaining their property.—
Andrea Manes,
Oc Register,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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