as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of bustle
Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
The stillness and calm feel comparable to being out in nature, far removed from the roars of automobile engines and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
The place was bustling, even festive, for a late Monday afternoon.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Noun
For the Queen Mother, a seaside apartment at Walmer Castle—hidden behind a secret door—became a favorite escape from London’s hustle and bustle.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026
The stillness and calm feel comparable to being out in nature, far removed from the roars of automobile engines and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Matt Varilek, the governor’s employment and economic development commissioner, said Malcolm Yards would normally be bustling, but is now struggling because employees and customers are afraid to come due to the crackdown.
—Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
The place was bustling, even festive, for a late Monday afternoon.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustle
Noun
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The sound of screeching truck brakes comes from behind, followed by a massive commotion.—
Wyles Daniel,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Soon her two boys, Noah and Nico, found her – unsure about the commotion and clearly uninterested in the magnitude of the moment.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Others expel water from their cells to prevent the freeze-thaw cycle from bursting cell walls.—
Alex Kuffner,
The Providence Journal,
14 Feb. 2026
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After the penstock burst Friday, a technical rescue team from the Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit was called to the powerhouse, which is located below Lake Francis about 4½ miles from New Bullards Bar Reservoir and 2½ miles from Dobbins.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Allen instructed deputies to meet at a rallying point instead of rushing in.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
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Cool story, kicker from Marist and all, but five short field goals, none a game-winner, wasn’t trumping Kenneth Walker III’s 135 yards rushing.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 Block of Chateau Park Drive, the police department said in a statement.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
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During the investigation, the deputies learned that a group of people was driving to the coast when a disturbance occurred inside the vehicle.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The buzzing underground networks are an important part of the modern, urban lifestyle in Canada’s coldest metropolises, and can be fascinating — and disorienting — for visitors.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Fans are buzzing about an Act III album release date, every potential hint will be fully examined—and that includes her nails!—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Residents who have returned to Indian border villages wish the officials would hurry up.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2026
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But hurry—today is your last chance to score up to 65 percent off on best-selling styles.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In 1995, Taschen published his first book, which made a stir with portraits of soft, indirect illumination, emphasizing naturalness.—
Steve Appleford,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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But the matter caused quite a stir in Georgia, where the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections sued to regain their materials and some Republicans have questioned the search.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The constant sound first of construction equipment, then perpetually humming computer banks, was never part of the plan.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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The area hums with culture, from galleries and artisan boutiques to live music at Stinky’s Bait Shack (go Fridays and see Matt Miller, fiddler extraordinaire) and the 30A Songwriters Festival.—
Carrie Honaker,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustle. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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