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Definitions

busy

[biz-ee] / ˈbɪz i /
ADJECTIVE
engaged, at work
Synonyms
STRONGEST
active unavailable working
STRONG
buried employed engaged engrossed hustling occupied overloaded persevering slaving snowed swamped
WEAK
already taken assiduous at it diligent having a full plate having enough on one's plate having fish to fry having many irons in the fire in a meeting in conference in someone else's possession in the field in the laboratory industrious on assignment on duty on the go tied-up up to one's ears with a customer
Antonyms
STRONGEST
idle
STRONG
inactive unoccupied
WEAK
lazy quiet unbusy unemployed unengaged
ADJECTIVE
active, on the go
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bustling full hectic lively restless
STRONG
humming hustling popping tiring
WEAK
busy as a beaver energetic fussy strenuous tireless
Antonyms
WEAK
idle inactive lazy quiet unbusy unemployed unengaged
ADJECTIVE
nosy, impertinent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curious
STRONG
forward interfering meddling prying stirring
WEAK
butting in inquisitive intrusive meddlesome nebby obtrusive officious pushy snoopy troublesome
Antonyms
WEAK
idle inactive lazy quiet unbusy unemployed unengaged

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With it looking unlikely that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon, and with the busy summer driving season fast approaching, supplies could tighten further in the weeks ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“She definitely opened my eyes, just as a young kid growing up,” said Iamaleava, noting that she is OK now, busy traveling all over the country with his younger volleyball-playing sisters.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

"We have been busy since the Ukraine war," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Trendy cafes in affluent northern Tehran were busy on Wednesday night, the start of Iran's weekend, with men and women sipping colourful drinks and strolling the streets.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The showiness of the feathers fought with the busy floral pattern and overshadowed the jacket.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu