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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 feeling “extremely gracious” that he has kept busy, Adbul-Mateen is concerned about “some of my fellow actors who are working, but I would like to see them more.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

"I will now be busy throughout the day," the visibly tired driver told AFP, his eyes red and heavy after the sleepless night.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

They were busy over the winter, trading for ace pitcher Freddy Peralta, signing infielder Bo Bichette for $42 million a year and reshaping their bullpen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

At the moment, many are busy campaigning ahead of May's elections in Scotland, Wales and for some councils in England.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Fifth Street wasn’t nearly as busy as it had been in the morning, which oddly made me feel even more conspicuous on the sidewalk.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu