Definitions

bustling

[buhs-ling] / ˈbʌs lɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

active

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alive effective operating

STRONG

flowing functioning going mobile movable operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rustling shifting simmering speeding streaming traveling turning walking working

WEAK

astir at work efficacious exertive hasty impelling in force in play in process moving restless speedy swarming

Antonyms

STRONG

fixed inoperative unmovable unworking

WEAK

abeyant disinterested dormant idle immobile inactive indifferent inert lazy quiescent quiet sluggish

ADJECTIVE

active

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aggressive alive bold busy determined diligent dynamic eager energetic engaged enthusiastic forceful intense keen lively quick ready resolute

STRONG

alert daring fireball jumping pushing rapid sharp whiz

WEAK

agile animated assiduous brisk chipper dashing dexterous enlivened enterprising eventful forcible fresh frisky hard-working high-spirited hyper industrious inventive nimble on the move perky persevering purposeful sprightly spry zealous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

afraid apathetic calm cowardly disinterested dispirited dull idle ignorant inactive indifferent irresolute lazy lethargic lifeless meek quiet slow sluggish stupid uneducated unenthusiastic weak

WEAK

abeyant dormant immobile inert quiescent

ADJECTIVE

agile

Synonyms

STRONGEST

athletic buoyant energetic frisky limber lithe lively quick rapid sharp spirited sprightly supple

WEAK

active acute alert brisk clever dexterous easy-moving fleet mercurial prompt quick on the draw quick on the trigger quick-witted ready sportive spright spry stirring swift twinkle toes vigorous vivacious winged zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic depressed dispirited down dull ignorant inactive lazy lethargic lifeless rigid slow sluggish stiff stupid

WEAK

brittle clumsy

ADJECTIVE

alive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

awake eager ready rife

STRONG

animated

WEAK

abounding alert brisk cheerful dynamic energetic lively overflowing quick replete sharp spirited sprightly spry stirring swarming teeming vigorous vital vivacious zestful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

unanimated

WEAK

dispirited dull lifeless morose sluggish spiritless

ADJECTIVE

brisk

Synonyms

STRONGEST

energetic lively quick speedy spry vigorous

STRONG

alert animated busy

WEAK

adroit agile double-time nimble sprightly vivacious zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

idle inactive lazy lethargic lifeless slow sluggish

WEAK

temperate unenergetic warm

ADJECTIVE

busy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

going

Synonyms

STRONG

flowing functioning impelling mobile movable moving operating operative progressive pushing rapid rolling running rushing rust

WEAK

alive astir at work effective efficacious exertive hasty in force in play in process restless

Antonyms

STRONG

fixed immobile permanent stationary unmovable

ADJECTIVE

humming

Synonyms

STRONG

brisk busy buzzing hopping

Antonyms

STRONG

inactive

ADJECTIVE

hustling

Synonyms

STRONG

busy occupied

WEAK

active

Antonyms

STRONG

idle inactive

ADJECTIVE

lively

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animated bright buoyant cheerful enjoyable entertaining festive frisky nimble peppy provocative refreshing spirited stimulating vigorous

WEAK

agile alert animate astir blithe blithesome bouncy brisk buzzing chipper chirpy complex dashing driving effervescent enterprising frolicsome full of pep gay go-go happy hyper industrious involved jocund jumping keen merry perky pert quick rousing snappy sparkling sprightly spry stirring vivacious zippy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic depressed down dull gloomy heavy inactive lethargic sad somber unhappy unpleasant

WEAK

dispirited lifeless sleepy

ADJECTIVE

restless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitated anxious disturbed edgy fidgety itchy nervous restive sleepless troubled uneasy unruly unsettled

WEAK

active antsy bundle of nerves changeable fidgeting fitful footloose fretful hurried ill at ease inconstant intermittent irresolute jumpy nomadic on edge perturbed roving spasmodic strung-out tossing and turning transient turbulent unpeaceful unquiet unrestful unstable unsteady wandering worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm collected composed content cool easygoing laid-back peaceful quiet relaxed settled unworried

ADJECTIVE

rousing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bouncy chirpy enthusiastic lively spirited zippy

STRONG

active alert animated brisk busy buzzing dashing jumping refreshing stimulating

WEAK

astir bright buoyant energetic frisky full of pep hyper industrious peppy perky snappy spry vigorous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic dispirited lethargic

STRONG

idle inactive lazy quiet sluggish

ADJECTIVE

sleepless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fidgety

WEAK

active alert antsy anxious edgy fidgeting jumpy nervous on edge strung-out tossing and turning troubled unsettled wakeful wide-awake wired worried

ADJECTIVE

unquiet

Synonyms

WEAK

active agitated antsy anxious bundle of nerves changeable disturbed edgy fidgeting fidgety fitful footloose fretful hurried ill at ease inconstant intermittent irresolute itchy jumpy nervous nomadic on edge perturbed restive roving sleepless spasmodic strung-out tossing and turning transient troubled turbulent uneasy unpeaceful unrestful unruly unsettled unstable unsteady wandering worried

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.

This bustling scene is one the EAC once hoped would cease to exist.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Tucked into a residential neighbourhood off of a bustling thoroughfare, the centre is flanked by single-family homes, schools, a park and places of worship.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The famished whales are increasingly seeking food in the San Francisco Bay, a bustling shipping area, making them vulnerable to vessel traffic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Servers in traditional red clothing were seen bustling between colourfully adorned tables, where attendees dined on dishes including Beijing roast duck, pork buns and tiramisu.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

She’s bustling around, chatting with families, wearing a grin that looks pasted on.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

bustling

Example Sentences

Related Words