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
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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
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
Today, Kepler’s Books is a bustling brick-and-mortar bookshop, while the Kepler’s Literary Foundation brings authors into local underresourced schools and maintains a calendar crammed with upcoming author talks, book club discussions and workshops.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
With superb work by editor Charlotte Munch Bengtsen (All That Breathes), Lo interweaves images of nature and the bustling city that lend context to the central drama without putting too fine a point on it.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
Celebrations are ongoing in the bustling Alexander household.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
Today, Kepler’s Books is a bustling brick-and-mortar bookshop, while the Kepler’s Literary Foundation brings authors into local underresourced schools and maintains a calendar crammed with upcoming author talks, book club discussions and workshops.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
At the protest, Cheifetz voiced concern that the influx of Border Patrol agents would force immigrants into hiding — making once-bustling community hubs go silent as at-risk families shelter from authorities.
—Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
With superb work by editor Charlotte Munch Bengtsen (All That Breathes), Lo interweaves images of nature and the bustling city that lend context to the central drama without putting too fine a point on it.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
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As a result, his street gets extremely busy in the weeks leading up to Halloween.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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Do Not Disturb will be another major moment for the 2024 Rolling Stone Future of Music digital cover star, who’s already had a busy 2025.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The unconventional thriller played like gangbusters to the buzzing New York crowd.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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At the time of his sentencing, Williams was a buzzing rapper, with his 2021 mixtape Shiesty Season, his only full-length project, peaking at Number Three on the Billboard 200.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
There were flower shops spilling roses onto the sidewalk and bakery windows bursting with éclairs.—
Danielle Postel-Vinay,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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Worries have been climbing that AI may be in the midst of a bubble, similar to the dot-com bonanza that ended up bursting in 2000.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Among the engaged couples, the duo appeared to be the strongest despite early hiccups regarding lifestyle and finances.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
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Unlike a movie, show, or song, reading a novel from cover to cover demands time and sustained attention to stay engaged throughout the slowest chapters and extend empathy to flawed, morally gray protagonists.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, the color options include both neutral shades and more vibrant hues like burgundy, olive, and purple.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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Releasing later this week, the latest product of their longstanding partnership is a vibrant collection of apparel, footwear and accessories that celebrate esports and the gaming community.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Chelsea are 5-1 up against 10 men, the result long since secured, but no one wants to head for the exits to escape the teeming rain just yet.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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The movie, which runs two hours and forty-one minutes, is stuffed with fast-moving, complicated action and intricate dialogue, and the editing intercuts quickly among its teeming array of places, events, and characters.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the footage, the children could be seen hurrying off the bus and onto the woman’s porch as the smoke grew.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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Pedestrians are hurrying past to find their places on Fifth Avenue, but the girls have a different kind of readiness about them.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For those who are still in therapy, being diligent and consistent with your treatment plan is extremely important for reducing long-term risk.—
Marnie Goodfriend,
Flow Space,
27 Oct. 2025
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Meaning, his sons balance a hearty rotation of sports and academics, but the Farrers are also diligent about working in time for volunteer projects, too.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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