Thesaurus

busy

Q: How is the word 'busy' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of busy are assiduous , diligent , industrious , and sedulous . While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure. // too busy to spend time with the children

Q: When would 'assiduous' be a good substitute for 'busy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to busy , assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application. // assiduous practice

Q: In what contexts can 'diligent' take the place of 'busy'?

The words diligent and busy can be used in similar contexts, but diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit. // very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Q: Where would 'industrious' be a reasonable alternative to 'busy'?

The synonyms industrious and busy are sometimes interchangeable, but industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work. // industrious employees

Q: When could 'sedulous' be used to replace 'busy'?

The words sedulous and busy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application. // a sedulous investigation of the murder

adjective

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of busy

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 involved in often constant activity

the deadline is in two days, so everyone at work has been extremely busy

Synonyms for busy

Words Related to busy

knee-deep,
swamped

energetic,
vigorous

hardworking

Near Antonyms for busy

free

inert,
passive

Antonyms for busy

2 marked by much life, movement, or activity

the busy, often hectic floor of the New York Stock Exchange

Synonyms for busy

Words Related to busy

Antonyms for busy

3 thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited

she's one of those busy production facilitators—always concerned about other people's work and never her own

Synonyms for busy

Words Related to busy

Near Antonyms for busy

hands-off

uninvolved

Antonyms for busy

unobtrusive

busy

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of busy (Entry 2 of 2)

to hold the attention of

the video game busied the child for hours

Synonyms for busy

Words Related to busy

distract,
preoccupy

hog,
monopolize

Phrases Synonymous with busy

catch one's eye

Near Antonyms for busy

Frequently Asked Questions About busy

How is the word busy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of busy are assiduous, diligent, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children