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.

The hours are limited and you often get the app equivalent of a busy signal.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Another was busy holding up their phone and described to an audience of close friends and followers what was going on.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

It added: "Small actions from everyone can make a big difference in protecting the Shropshire Hills during busy periods and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy them."

From BBC • May 28, 2026

At Island Liquor, owner Dalbir Singh said his well-appointed store had been busy all morning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

A quick glance around showed that Ella, Calvin, Molly, and Sid were very busy pretending that Regan and I were invisible.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

busy

Example Sentences

Related Words