BUSY Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'busy' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of busy are assiduous , diligent , industrious , and sedulous . While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure. // too busy to spend time with the children

Q: When would 'assiduous' be a good substitute for 'busy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to busy , assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application. // assiduous practice

Q: In what contexts can 'diligent' take the place of 'busy'?

The words diligent and busy can be used in similar contexts, but diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit. // very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Q: Where would 'industrious' be a reasonable alternative to 'busy'?

The synonyms industrious and busy are sometimes interchangeable, but industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work. // industrious employees

Q: When could 'sedulous' be used to replace 'busy'?

The words sedulous and busy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application. // a sedulous investigation of the murder

busy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbi-zē

Definition of busy

as in engaged

involved in often constant activity the deadline is in two days, so everyone at work has been extremely busy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in buzzing

marked by much life, movement, or activity the busy, often hectic floor of the New York Stock Exchange

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intruding

thrusting oneself where one is not welcome or invited she's one of those busy production facilitators—always concerned about other people's work and never her own

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

busy

2 of 2

verb

as in to interest

to hold the attention of the video game busied the child for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word busy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of busy are assiduous, diligent, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

When would assiduous be a good substitute for busy?

While in some cases nearly identical to busy, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

In what contexts can diligent take the place of busy?

The words diligent and busy can be used in similar contexts, but diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Where would industrious be a reasonable alternative to busy?

The synonyms industrious and busy are sometimes interchangeable, but industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When could sedulous be used to replace busy?

The words sedulous and busy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application.

a sedulous investigation of the murder

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of busy

Adjective

Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 During a recent sit-down with Flow Space, Monaghan shared what this busy new chapter has taught her about midlife friendship, protecting her energy and making wellness feel doable, even when life is anything but slow. — Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 2 July 2026

Verb

No Spotify playlists needed here—the natural sounds of this Arctic retreat are the perfect antidote to busy urban life. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 While the former tracks profits and expectations, the latter busies itself with tangible stuff, from jobs and wages to GDP. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for busy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for busy

Adjective

Written by Jeff Koyen, Edited by Mallory Gafas Since the start of generative AI’s enterprise proliferation, it has been largely regarded by executives and employees alike as a productive assistant more than an engaged collaborator.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Millions of engaged, curious readers open our newsletters every day.

— britannica.com, britannica.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of engaged

Adjective

This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

Bowen plays the diligent pro golf tour director of public relations and Happy’s kind, caring love interest Virginia Venit.

— Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Now, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says its diligent job is done, signaling full containment of the fires soon.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Definition of diligent

Adjective

With their jewel-like seeds, vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, pomegranates have long been prized around the world.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
That means little details make a large impact—this chartreuse look could stand well on its own, but the black open-toed heels and sheer tights underneath sharpen the otherwise-vibrant outfit.

— Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of vibrant

Verb

There is a wide open space for Democrats to occupy that territory.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Beneath those practical debates, however, American lawyers have gradually come to understand themselves as occupying two roles simultaneously, as Robert Gordon described.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of occupy

Browse Nearby Words

busty

busy

busybodies

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Style

“Busy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/busy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of busy

adjective

verb

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