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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of busy
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
One of Europe’s deadliest migration corridors, where unclaimed bodies often wash up on shore, the passage to Crete is fueled by wars and instability across Africa and is growing busier even as pressure eases on other Mediterranean routes.
—ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Eventually, though, after the Falcons recovered an onside kick successfully and knelt the rest of the way en route to a 19-17 victory, the family busied themselves jumping up and down, screaming for joy.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
The Dionne Phillips Bagsby Southwest Subcourthouse in Fort Worth was the busiest early voting location in the Democratic primary, with 7,696 early voters.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
One of Europe’s deadliest migration corridors, where unclaimed bodies often wash up on shore, the passage to Crete is fueled by wars and instability across Africa and is growing busier even as pressure eases on other Mediterranean routes.
—ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
For the first 12 minutes, the Celtics busied themselves by snapping up free points.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Eventually, though, after the Falcons recovered an onside kick successfully and knelt the rest of the way en route to a 19-17 victory, the family busied themselves jumping up and down, screaming for joy.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
In 2010, just 3% of married or engaged couples had a prenup.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Direct work factors included average workweek hours, employment rate, share of household where no adults work, share of workers leaving vacation time unused, share of engaged workers and idle youth rate.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tamarindo, a great stretch of beach for surfing, is equally famous for its nightlife, with buzzing spots like Chiquita's Tamarindo.—
Natalie Hammond,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Before sunrise, on a frigid, frozen lake south of Madison, Wisconsin, Zach Feiner is staring at a buzzing screen.—
Berly McCoy,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Celebrity doesn’t interest Vernon Hills junior Yury Plaksin.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Tyner says the challenge is to provide activities that interest younger golfers while respecting the sentiments of longtime members.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Thanks to the diligent work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, justice has been served, and this dangerous individual will now face severe consequences for his actions.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Nursing requires diligent, precise work, so risking her eyesight to harmful UV exposure is a non-option.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The restaurant moves beyond the usual clichés of Indian food, offering a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu featuring dishes like a vibrant avocado and mint tart spiked with green chili, and a velvety corn soup with khandvi.—
Nupur Singh,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Feb. 2026
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These vines will trail along buildings, fences, and trellises alike, giving gardens a tropical, vibrant feel.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That annoying voice in the back of the mind or deep in your gut starts to sound more convincing.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Of all the horror franchises out there, the Scream series is the one that feels most like being on the world’s most annoying hamster wheel.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Vij, who is currently a vice president at Brooklyn nonprofit Powerhouse Arts, is the first person of Southeast Asian descent to occupy the role.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
2 Mar. 2026
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The assessment determined that the building was not in danger of imminent collapse and residents on Clay Street were told their homes were safe to occupy.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The fate of one of the last thriving coral reefs in Florida may be imperiled by plans to widen the shipping channel leading into Port Everglades.—
Nicolás Rivero,
Washington Post,
1 Mar. 2026
-
His daughter Akilah Releford-Gould, who has a thriving social media presence showcasing her homemaking and winemaking adventures, has become an integral part of Bloom Ranch’s online reach.—
Martine Thompson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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