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busy

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verb

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a busy place
a bustling place
a lively place
a hectic place
a crowded place
a congested place
a busy intersection
a bustling intersection
a crowded intersection
a congested intersection
a jammed intersection
a hectic intersection
a busy week
a hectic week
an eventful week
a productive week
a big week
a long week

Synonym Chooser

How is the word busy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of busy are assiduous, diligent, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

When would assiduous be a good substitute for busy?

While in some cases nearly identical to busy, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

In what contexts can diligent take the place of busy?

The words diligent and busy can be used in similar contexts, but diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Where would industrious be a reasonable alternative to busy?

The synonyms industrious and busy are sometimes interchangeable, but industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When could sedulous be used to replace busy?

The words sedulous and busy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application.

a sedulous investigation of the murder

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
Adjective
The good news is, Spanx’s sale section is currently bursting with pieces practically made for long-haul flights and busy travel days, so now is the best time to fill any gaps in your wardrobe before the weather heats up. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2025 However, the Panthers were able to get a two-year deal done with cornerback Mike Jackson after a busy day of negotiating elsewhere. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
My mum busies herself with warm croissants and the waiting crossword. Carolyn Figel, Hazlitt, 27 Nov. 2024 With a bit of a haphazard assembly line of toy horse body parts between the couple, Ahmed expertly attached sticks that made up the horse’s legs, while Fatima busied herself cutting intricate bits of paper to adorn each horse for its full, multi-coloured glory. Sonya Rehman, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for busy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy
Adjective
  • Turn passing glances into engaged followers by speaking directly to their immediate concerns.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • After meeting online and falling in love, Jay and Pamela are engaged and live together with Jay’s parents.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As this strategy becomes more widespread, expect influential people to be inundated with similar requests (so if this strategy interests you, get started now).
    Nick Brown, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Nothing and nobody could have interested George more than Ahmet did.
    Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Kurt's key takeaways Tony's story is a chilling reminder that even the most diligent savers can fall victim to sophisticated scams.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Ignoring these factors can undermine even the most diligent retirement saver. 3.
    Mike Vietri, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Blige was one of a few stars to style a vibrant red look on the Vanity Fair Oscars Party red carpet.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Made from a gorgeous faux-leather material and available in 17 vibrant colors, this passport protector will easily slot into any pocket of your purse while preserving the exterior of your ID.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But unexpected allies and converts to the team’s cause appear, too: passengers awaiting a flight to Kabul, an American technology reporter, maybe even that annoying bakery owner.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The second week My usual redness around my cheeks had started to fade, and the annoying pimple that had been brewing on my cheek seemed to back off without its usual dramatic entrance.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If Frank Carollo wins the District 3 seat and serves the full four-year term, a Carollo brother will have occupied the seat for 20 years.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
  • But people who occupy public spaces thinking that kids won't be a part of it are beyond me.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Complex regulatory frameworks and inconsistent enforcement in some regions, such as certain U.S. states with conflicting federal laws, highlighted the need for clear, standardized guidelines to support a thriving legal market.
    Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Saudi Arabia is rapidly growing into a thriving creative hub for the film industry, capturing the attention of local and international productions.
    Partner Content, Variety, 14 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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