1
as in engaged
involved in often constant activity
the deadline is in two days, so everyone at work has been extremely busy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
the busy, often hectic floor of the New York Stock Exchange
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intruding
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to interest
to hold the attention of
the video game busied the child for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a busy intersection
a busy week
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of busy
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 July 2025
The schedule partly overlaps with the reserve’s busiest season and a time when the Coastal Commission tends to prohibit development to maximize parking and open space for public use.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Tom Roland, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Aha! This spring, as Musk has busied himself dismantling parts of the United States government, signs of discontent with the world’s richest man have stealthily appeared across London’s public-transport network.
—Anna Russell, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
Fans are excited for what’s going to be a busy rest of the year for Kid Cudi.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 10 July 2025
The schedule partly overlaps with the reserve’s busiest season and a time when the Coastal Commission tends to prohibit development to maximize parking and open space for public use.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Verb
Liz busied herself in another room while Miller and the Warrens worked with Cooper.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 23 May 2025
Aha! This spring, as Musk has busied himself dismantling parts of the United States government, signs of discontent with the world’s richest man have stealthily appeared across London’s public-transport network.
—Anna Russell, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
But the rewards – a more engaged, connected, and high-performing workforce – are well worth the investment.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Instead, Bailey encourages today’s leaders to embrace discomfort, stay engaged, and study those who came before.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
If possible, talk to your boss about your future and what interests you.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
26 June 2025
-
The Flames also have a lot of players who would interest the Sabres, who need a right-shot defenseman.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
That takes diligent work – sifting through records, tracking down the people with the key information, sometimes fighting to get that information made public.—
Jeff Suess,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
That scouts regard Bogaerts as one of MLB’s most diligent workers is actually concerning.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
The serene scene is meant to mimic the dichotomy of the scent: a powerful blend of florals mixed with vibrant woody notes.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
-
What began as a creative outlet among friends quickly evolved into a vibrant collective.—
Ugonnaora Owoh,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Figuring out how to reply to an annoying co-worker on Slack?—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
In other words, these annoying tasks will actually start to feel good.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
Interrogating the ways different myths occupy their own unique spaces establishes pathways into existences of literary immortality, offering prisms into the art of storytelling.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
-
Founded in 2006, the center had previously occupied a single, tiny room on the University Union’s first floor.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The food industry has a lot riding on, and even more to gain from, adopting practices that help stabilize the climate and support thriving ecosystems.—
Mindy Lubber,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Whatever happens, Chicago needs a thriving and affordable ride-share sector — ride-share is part of our transit ecosystem.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
There’s something officious about Alden Ehrenreich.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2023
-
Her charming luxury treasure trove has none of that officious chilliness that defines the typical store of its ilk but instead feels like a brocanterie crammed with interesting, unexpected luxury goods from across the world.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
2 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share