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
James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
But there’s nothing stopping us from organizing more versions of Oakland 2011, when tens of thousands—including labor leaders and union members—drew on their own history to join in a day of action that shut down the city’s downtown business district and its busy port.
—Literary Hub, 31 Jan. 2026
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Directly after its 1979 revolution, Iran busied itself with internal enemies.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Adjective
Jacob Tanswell Arthur Avom Bournemouth have been one of the league’s busier teams in this window.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
But there’s nothing stopping us from organizing more versions of Oakland 2011, when tens of thousands—including labor leaders and union members—drew on their own history to join in a day of action that shut down the city’s downtown business district and its busy port.
—Literary Hub, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
After that, Cornell busied himself with his solo career and other endeavors before committing suicide in 2017.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Directly after its 1979 revolution, Iran busied itself with internal enemies.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
-
Lonnie Lathan, another resident, echoed that sentiment, saying homeowners are more likely to stay engaged.—
Leondra Head,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The couple met in 1998, became engaged in 2004 and married in 2005.—
Jennifer Sangalang,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Nguyen’s main renovations brought the bar from the back of the room to the front, an open window into the buzzing new restaurant.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Once a pivotal railway stop, later the site of world-stage events, like the 1996 Olympic Games, and most recently, a filming epicenter, Conyers has blossomed into a buzzing destination, drawing visitors from across the globe.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If there are too many items on your list that no longer engage or excite you, one career resolution for 2026 could be to write yourself a new job description and negotiate with your manager to do more of what interests you.—
Caroline Ceniza-Levine,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Choose a specific cause that interests your kids and give back together.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Parents,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Learning how to study a football scouting report or work through a practice script can make a basketball player all the more diligent.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Darnold has to be diligent in seeing the Rams’ coverage rotations and making good decisions.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Matching boots and leggings in black or a similarly dark neutral shade make a beautiful backdrop for a vibrant sweater.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The area, once home to a vibrant Black community known as Freedman’s Town, is now a mix of residential and commercial high-rise towers, pulsing nightlife and pricey townhomes.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Garlic supplements and dietary garlic can have health benefits, and a few annoying side effects, like bad breath and stomach upset.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Patriots’ fans view Sunday as an annoying calisthenic, if not a joke.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The restaurant has occupied the space for decades, sits steps from the ski lifts in Vail Village, and is a local favorite for skiers, tourists and locals alike.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bonhams occupies what’s defined as the mid-range market, mostly offering lots priced between $50,000 to $1 million, while the top three — Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips — court sellers and buyers at the vertiginous top end.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Stop and think about what this meant for Live Nation, a formerly thriving commercial entity that achieved commercial success via – yes – live shows the excitement and success of which was rooted in the big, packed crowds that would attend them.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Maryland is a thriving hub for advanced health care and research and development.—
Peter Shen,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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