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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bustling
Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
The normally bustling streets of Islamabad were deserted Saturday morning as security forces sealed roads ahead of the talks.
—ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
The Danish Algerian songwriter’s peripatetic new album pulls up at the bustling crossroads of the electroclash comeback and the contemporary Scandinavian school.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
Vendors in the normally bustling commercial hub had few customers to greet one afternoon in early March.
—Wendi C. Thomas, ProPublica, 15 Apr. 2026
The normally bustling streets of Islamabad were deserted Saturday morning as security forces sealed roads ahead of the talks.
—ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Pennsylvania Governor could be seen bustling around his office, being sure to display all of his Eagles gear to prepare for the mystery visit.
—Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
The Danish Algerian songwriter’s peripatetic new album pulls up at the bustling crossroads of the electroclash comeback and the contemporary Scandinavian school.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
-
Pool service can be a bit slow during busy times, but once your perfectly prepared daiquiri arrives, all is forgiven.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
The possible labor action has raised concerns about how the park could operate during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, particularly as schools begin letting out for summer break.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Along my walkway and all over my neighborhood, nasturtium flowers are opening like bright orange suns, fragrant lavender is attracting buzzing bees, and rosemary bushes are beginning to brighten with baby blue flowers.—
Senior Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
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Drawing inspiration from both family recipes and a buzzing street food culture, Ngon’s dishes are vibrant and packed with flavor.—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Nobody’s certain how many visitors will materialize for the anniversary year, but the shop is bursting with merchandise.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
From fresh guacamole to flavorful enchiladas, everything is made with care and bursting with flavor.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
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.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
17 May 2026
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No point hurrying toward a resolution that was always receding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The result is a fiery and impassioned offering that finds the veteran fully engaged and intent on proving no chinks have been left in his armor despite his tenuous back-and-forth with his Compton counterpart.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
15 May 2026
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The debate, the back and forth, the unsolicited tags—that is where trust is built in public, where brand affinity becomes visible and where your most engaged audience shows themselves to you.—
Rhea Karo,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Too, vibrant luggage tags can help identify which bags are yours at TSA.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
Naggoo Printed Split Maxi Dress with Pockets With a stretchy wrinkle-free fabric, vibrant print, chic side slit, and two side pockets, this summery dress checks every box for style and comfort.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
With virtually no set other than some boxes and platforms that get pushed onstage so that various authority figures can tower over the teeming masses, there’s plenty of room to dance.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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To accept that there will always be creatures teeming nearby, some of them agonizing, expelled from their days.—
María Ospina,
The Dial,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Hamaguchi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Léa Le Dimna, spent two years developing the project in France, traveling between Tokyo and Paris and conducting actor workshops to familiarize himself with how French performers approach text.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Brentford end their season with a home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday before travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool on the final day on May 24.—
Nnamdi Onyeagwara,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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