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Definitions

businesslike

[biz-nis-lahyk] / ˈbɪz nɪsˌlaɪk /
ADJECTIVE
efficient, professional
Synonyms
STRONGEST
diligent disciplined earnest expeditious matter-of-fact methodical orderly practical purposeful serious thorough
WEAK
accomplished careful concentrated correct direct effective enterprising hardworking industrious intent organized painstaking practiced regular routine sedulous skillful systematic well-ordered workaday
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disorganized flippant thoughtless trivial unimportant unserious
WEAK
amateur inefficient unbusinesslike unprofessional

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.

But Dmitriev felt his businesslike rapport was breaking through.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

The senior Ukrainian source told AFP that the tone of rhetoric between the White House and Kyiv was now "very businesslike."

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

In front of the world's cameras, the two exchanged warm words, and a businesslike handshake, which set the tone for a generally respectful relationship.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2025

McCarthy is more known for his businesslike approach to racing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

Then he suddenly thought otherwise and took a more businesslike pose, sitting forward with his hands in his lap.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely