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
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 O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2026
From Sacramento County’s first human West Nile virus case to a mystery flyover above the Capitol, Thursday brought a busy news day in the Sacramento region.
—
Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Emma shook her head and busied herself with picking up her waders.
—
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
These lines reveal the perspective of someone who has been immersed in one medium for too long and is now busy idealizing another.
—
Michael O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
2 July 2026
From Sacramento County’s first human West Nile virus case to a mystery flyover above the Capitol, Thursday brought a busy news day in the Sacramento region.
—
Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
Verb
Another busied himself writing and rewriting the mundane information on his slate.
—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Emma shook her head and busied herself with picking up her waders.
—
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
Written by Jeff Koyen, Edited by Mallory Gafas Since the start of generative AI’s enterprise proliferation, it has been largely regarded by executives and employees alike as a productive assistant more than an engaged collaborator.
-
Millions of engaged, curious readers open our newsletters every day.
Adjective
-
Scott Usheroff The wine scene has evolved from hobby industry to a buzzing, blooming viticulture scene.
-
The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
Adjective
-
Scam texts are annoying for everyone.
-
Others have blamed everything from feminism and long work commutes to annoying kiddy car seats.
Verb
-
These are novels about bohemian communities of friends and lovers and artistic collaborators, which is a big part of what interests me about AIDS activism.
-
What interests me more is what has changed, which is the very substance of capital.
Adjective
-
Now, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says its diligent job is done, signaling full containment of the fires soon.
-
Since then, Roberts, who will also manage the NL All-Star team, has appreciated how diligent Pages has remained in his routine.
Adjective
-
With their jewel-like seeds, vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, pomegranates have long been prized around the world.
-
That means little details make a large impact—this chartreuse look could stand well on its own, but the black open-toed heels and sheer tights underneath sharpen the otherwise-vibrant outfit.
Adjective
-
Lee will play Maya, the officious Chief of Staff for the Governor of Oklahoma.
-
Her Southern accent is slightly clipped and officious, the type of drawl that’s a stamp of a suburban upbringing.
Verb
-
The cabana frame was lifted by strong winds before crashing into an area occupied by guests near the resort's pool deck.
-
Law enforcement also linked Sanchez-Munoz to a June 11 shooting in which a vehicle occupied by an adult and a child was hit by gunfire in the area of Seventh Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.
Cite this Entry
“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
