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.

That is expected to keep them busy until 2038 at the earliest and possibly longer if more export orders come through.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

Located above a busy mainline railway station, MSG is slap bang in the beating heart of tourist and commercial Manhattan.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

This year, ahead of what’s likely to be a busy fire season in the West, a new prediction market specifically focused on California fires was launched.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2026

That’s likely because she was far too busy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

While they were busy with their paws, I made snacks and fed them a lot of melted snow.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

busy

Example Sentences

Related Words