BUSYING Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

busying

verb

present participle of busy

as in interesting

to hold the attention of the video game busied the child for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 busying The song vamps where Railings used to weave and wind, its ever-busying rhythm section building tension atop its harmonic simplicity. — Craig Heed, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026 Had Steve Smith been fit and available to play, then the 31-year-old would have been patrolling another part of the field; maybe busying himself in the covers, or chirping away from under a lid at short leg. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025 Much like her idol Marlene Dietrich, Novak walked away from the business under her own steam, and has largely kept to herself, marrying an equine veterinarian and busying herself raising horses and painting. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for busying

Verb

His role model is, of course, the political disrupter and fabulist-in-chief currently occupying the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
The assault targeted a Russian infiltration team consisting of five soldiers occupying residential buildings near Dobropillya (northwest of Hulyaipole).

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of occupying

Verb

Walking, hiking, or simply immersing yourself in nature helps restore balance between the demands of everyday life and personal wellbeing.

— Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
The second involved filling a salad spinner with water and immersing the berries for one minute while stirring them by hand before draining and spinning them for 10 seconds.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of immersing

Verb

The first four episodes made available for review likewise have tiny sparks of interest, from some witty dialogue to genuine plot momentum to intriguing new characters popping up.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 21 June 2026
His 6-foot-6 frame and power potential offer intriguing athletic tools.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Definition of intriguing

Verb

All four officers at the scene will be placed on administrative leave, which Patterson said was routine practice after a shooting involving police.

— Marin Scott, NBC news, 23 July 2026
And then there are long-term risks involving prolonged exposure to smoke and other air pollution, which has been linked to some cancers and dementia.

— Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of involving

Verb

Wilentz, author of the 2010 book Dylan in America, wrote Volume 18‘s detailed, often fascinating 125-page liner notes that provides historical context for the expansive eight-CD set.

— Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
Once on the ground visitors can enjoy Greenland’s rugged coastal landscapes, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture, and the opportunity to experience the country at its primordial best.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2025

Definition of fascinating

Browse Nearby Words

busybody

busying

but

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Busying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busying. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of busying

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

itinerant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes