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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.

These changes are part of Niccol’s turnaround strategy at Starbucks, which aims to address slow service and overly busy coffeehouses.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

But the new approach is already getting harsh reviews, and the busy season hasn’t even begun.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

He told the BBC passengers were keeping themselves busy by reading, watching movies and having hot drinks.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

This week will be another busy one for earnings, with updates due from companies including Palantir, Walt Disney, Advanced Micro Devices and Kraft Heinz.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Regan said, sitting up and pulling off her own probes in a way that made the technician still busy with me flinch.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin