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 hurrying
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
Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The history of King Drive King Drive, formerly Third Street, has been a bustling commercial district since the mid-1800s.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
Storefronts are papered with red envelopes, subway riders carry bags laden with fruit, and the multiple Chinatowns across the city’s boroughs have a renewed, bustling energy.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
This neighborhood also has a bustling night market in the evening and is particularly popular with the younger crowd.
—Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The history of King Drive King Drive, formerly Third Street, has been a bustling commercial district since the mid-1800s.
—Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Bloomington also has a robust food scene, world-class museums, and is an all-around great, bustling town located just an hour south of Indianapolis.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
Storefronts are papered with red envelopes, subway riders carry bags laden with fruit, and the multiple Chinatowns across the city’s boroughs have a renewed, bustling energy.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
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Its airport is one of the world’s busiest, serving as a home base for Emirates.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
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Officials at Dubai International Airport -- the largest in the United Arab Emirates and one of the busiest in the world -- said four people were injured, while Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi said one person was killed and seven others were injured in a drone strike.—
CARA RUBINSKY,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There is plenty to see and do in Jamaica's vibrant capital city, from the must-visit Bob Marley Museum and the National Gallery of Jamaica to award-winning restaurants and buzzing dance halls.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
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Just off the gondola entrance sits Club Moritzino, one of the Dolomites’ most enduring mountain huts and a buzzing lunch and apres-ski destination.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Marcus Phillips spearheads a spot-on quintet of classmates, each bursting with self-conscious awkwardness and a desire to be seen and understood.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
25 Feb. 2026
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In both cases the market was rattled by concerns that an AI bubble was on the verge of bursting.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Instead of hurrying to break up tents and scatter RVs, Lee and Oakland’s interim homelessness chief Sasha Hauswald want city workers to focus on minimizing trash and human waste around encampments.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
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Meza Gonzalez and David Christian, one of her attorneys, refused to answer questions from reporters about the plea agreement, hurrying down a flight of stairs at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center.—
Megan Rodriguez,
San Antonio Express-News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In 2010, just 3% of married or engaged couples had a prenup.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
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Direct work factors included average workweek hours, employment rate, share of household where no adults work, share of workers leaving vacation time unused, share of engaged workers and idle youth rate.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The restaurant moves beyond the usual clichés of Indian food, offering a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu featuring dishes like a vibrant avocado and mint tart spiked with green chili, and a velvety corn soup with khandvi.—
Nupur Singh,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Feb. 2026
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These vines will trail along buildings, fences, and trellises alike, giving gardens a tropical, vibrant feel.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Fire Department said that resources after the incident were delayed due to the size of the teeming crowd near the Wilshire Federal Building.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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Her custom look in yellow crepe georgette felt fresh and modern and rightly stood out in a night teeming in black gowns and tuxedo interpretations.—
Laurie Brookins,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This is a great pick for springtime strolls, when meeting up with a friend for a walk means traveling light.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
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Wingo added that the Owls were a traveling team that played a championship game in Portland, Oregon.—
Sarah Dewberry,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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