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 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
Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Finds at the Ehnasiya necropolis, once Heracleópolis Magna, include massive basilica columns, inscriptions of Middle Kingdom pharaoh Senusret III and terracotta coin molds, underscoring the city’s role as a bustling Roman-era commercial hub.
—Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 7 June 2026
Wildland is always bustling, with patrons lining up for fresh pastries and coffee, as well as high-quality breakfast and lunch eats.
—Dyana Lederman, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
Nilsson’s Evening Street Scene, 1964, a bustling urban tableau, along with Two Ladies and Starry Stage Ladies, both 1967, whose focal points are women mid-strut, recall certain prints from George Grosz’s 1922–23 Ecce Homo portfolio, not in tone but in their teeming rakishness.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Finds at the Ehnasiya necropolis, once Heracleópolis Magna, include massive basilica columns, inscriptions of Middle Kingdom pharaoh Senusret III and terracotta coin molds, underscoring the city’s role as a bustling Roman-era commercial hub.
—Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Verb
The upcoming Great Nicobar Project is set to transform this sleepy island into a bustling township over the next three decades.
—Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 7 June 2026
Wildland is always bustling, with patrons lining up for fresh pastries and coffee, as well as high-quality breakfast and lunch eats.
—Dyana Lederman, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
-
These would be my nap companions, a busy hive of bees whose entrance was out the side of the cottage.—
Christine Sarkis,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
-
While guests can still order from their full beer menu, KC Bier said guests should expect a limited menu of food for matches during the brewery’s busiest hours, like on weekends.—
Katelyn Umholtz,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Hudson Square is a thriving and buzzing creative hub–and the Dominick’s Street Art Search is designed so their guests could experience exactly that.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
-
Since the Bankhead and Livermore Cinema opened, a number of popular restaurants – including Zachary’s Pizza, Sauced BBQ and Spirits and Locanda Wine Bar have transformed a once-desolate block into a buzzing culinary destination.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Dishes use local produce but combine them with Asian ingredients for a light meal that’s bursting with flavors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
-
But with Skydance’s reputation for quality game titles and Paramount’s vast library, there’s potential to carve out a space in a market that’s crowded to the point of bursting.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
10 June 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
-
No point hurrying toward a resolution that was always receding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gallup research published in June 2024 found that engaged teams produce 23% higher profitability than disengaged ones.—
Chris Rosenberg,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Because there are going to be any number of ways to feel engaged with all the teams playing and staying in the area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
To be able to impact the lives of our officers and residents and the visitors of Miami, to be responsible for the safety of one of the most vibrant major cities in the world, what an honor.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
Following the formal ceremonies, the gathering transitioned into a vibrant cultural celebration.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
The main street leading to Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah was teeming, as everyone paced to get a spot for the sacred Jummah (Friday) prayer.—
Mariam Amini,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Nilsson’s Evening Street Scene, 1964, a bustling urban tableau, along with Two Ladies and Starry Stage Ladies, both 1967, whose focal points are women mid-strut, recall certain prints from George Grosz’s 1922–23 Ecce Homo portfolio, not in tone but in their teeming rakishness.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The journalists travelling with the pope sit at the back of the plane, while the pope, cardinals, bishops and Vatican staff sit at the front.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
-
This year, instead of traveling to Orlando for the annual Pulse remembrances, the family chose a different way to honor him.—
Ted Scouten,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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