1
as in busy
involved in often constant activity
a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied
on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in travelling
to proceed or move quickly
the hostess bustled about, taking care of last-minute preparations for the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bustling
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Editor’s Pick Photograph by Courtney Winston Since 1980, Keith McNally has created a series of stylish, bustling, era-defining Manhattan eateries: the Odeon, Balthazar, Schiller’s Liquor Bar, Pastis.
—Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
The ruling People’s Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won an overwhelming number of seats in parliament during elections held on Saturday, reaffirming Singapore’s status as a bustling wealth hub in Asia.
—Jonathan Burgos, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
From the bustling city streets of urban centers to the quiet charm of rural communities, the tour will amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, showcasing everything from beloved local traditions to the challenges and triumphs that shape each town’s identity.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
Whether depicting bustling city scenes, quiet temples, or flowering birds, Hiroshige’s prints spoke to a broad audience—creating accessible art that crossed class boundaries and elevated everyday life.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Editor’s Pick Photograph by Courtney Winston Since 1980, Keith McNally has created a series of stylish, bustling, era-defining Manhattan eateries: the Odeon, Balthazar, Schiller’s Liquor Bar, Pastis.
—Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
The ruling People’s Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won an overwhelming number of seats in parliament during elections held on Saturday, reaffirming Singapore’s status as a bustling wealth hub in Asia.
—Jonathan Burgos, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
From the bustling city streets of urban centers to the quiet charm of rural communities, the tour will amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, showcasing everything from beloved local traditions to the challenges and triumphs that shape each town’s identity.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
-
New hotels are addressing the long-standing lack of good accommodations, and the harbor is now a busy stop for cruise ships bound for Lisbon and Málaga.—
Christopher Bagley,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2025
-
However, the busy year has hit a bit of a lull in early May.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
Verb
-
At one point Harry Maguire tried to inject urgency, bursting forward with the ball and urging Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot to run ahead.—
Laurie Whitwell,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
-
An intellectually dense film bursting with ideas, some of them contradictory, some troubling, all of them provocative.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
They were focused and engaged, pushing all-in on forechecks and backchecks right from the opening puck drop.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
-
Foote eventually got engaged to her now-husband, Kristofer Verduzco.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
It was developed as a major family entertainment property targeting both Spanish-speaking and international markets, with a vibrant ensemble cast led by Joaquín Reyes and Arturo Valls.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
14 May 2025
-
What To Know The volcano's summit features a caldera—formed by volcanic eruptions—and supports vibrant hydrothermal vent ecosystems populated by microbes, tube worms, crabs, fish, octopuses and more.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Street performers and buzzing crowds returned to Bourbon Street on Thursday after police reopened it hours before the Sugar Bowl, which was delayed a day and was expected to draw 70,000 fans to the nearby Superdome.—
Christopher Cann,
USA TODAY,
4 Jan. 2025
-
From patient inquiries to administrative notifications, your inbox is probably constantly buzzing.—
Ajay Prasad,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But the swift and diligent response to KJ's condition led to timely treatment.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
16 May 2025
-
Hard work and diligent monitoring will spell success.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
In a thriving and competitive women's division, the consistent presence of a talent like Bliss would undoubtedly provide a substantial boost, injecting another layer of depth, star power, and compelling storylines into the roster.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Economic Growth: Promoting policies that attract businesses, support local entrepreneurship, and ensure access to opportunities for all residents, contributing to a thriving and sustainable Fort Worth economy.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The 124th Running of The Dinner Party Stakes A crowded field turned toward the final stretch of the 1 1/8-mile turf run, the last race before the evening’s main event, before Fort Washington pulled away with Cash Equity surging.—
Taylor Lyons,
Baltimore Sun,
17 May 2025
-
Instead of calling bringing employees back into crowded offices, the administration should be using telework as a way to close the budget shortfall, said Service Employees International Union Local 1000, in a Thursday statement.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share