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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.

He noticed a large stack that sat untouched each day in the newsroom; most of his colleagues, he said, were simply too busy to dive in.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The return of Glen Sannox means the busy Arran route again has a two ferry service, provided sailings are not disrupted by the weekend weather.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Meanwhile the pipeline stocks the fund does own have been busy paying down debt and cleaning up their own financial profiles.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

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

If she could just keep them busy with her answers, maybe they’d never get around to us pupils.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

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