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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.

While these systems have enabled global connectivity, they are running into growing challenges such as crowded radio frequencies, signal interference in busy indoor environments, and increasing energy demands as more devices come online.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

"I'm so busy that I don't have time to do this. I'm fighting wars and other things. But this is very important because this is going to be with us for a long time."

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Jake Kelly, Network Rail regional director for North West and Central, said bank holidays were "among the least busy times on the railway".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Some waits are still long on Sunday as a busy spring-break season collides with TSA workers waiting for back pay from the shutdown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

My nose was numb by the time I turned up my driveway and hiked past the busy bird feeders.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.