Synonyms for

Busy

Verb / ˈbɪzi: / Another word for busy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime

Synonyms & similar words

meddling officious fussy occupy meddlesome inuse idle interfering engaged busybodied occupied engaged involved employed working industrious hardworking diligent assiduous productive efficient active popular hectic frantic rushed overwhelmed swamped

Synonyms by register

Formal

occupied engaged active industrious

Informal

swamped slammed tied up up to my eyeballs

Literary

industrious diligent assiduous

Antonyms

idle inactive lazy unoccupied free leisurely relaxed

Common collocations

  • very busy
  • extremely busy
  • busy schedule
  • busy day
  • busy bee
  • busy signal
  • busybody
  • busy work

Word family

noun business
adjective busy
adverb busily

Usage note

While 'busy' can describe a state of being occupied, it can also imply a lack of free time or a hectic pace. Be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly stressed.

Example sentences

  1. I am too busy to talk right now.
  2. My mom is always busy cooking dinner.
  3. The bees are busy making honey.
  4. The construction workers are busy building a new house.
  5. I have a busy schedule today.

Quotes

  • Being busy is a choice.
  • Busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to.
  • Don't mistake movement for achievement. It's easy to get faked out by being busy.

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