bustling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbəs-liŋ How to pronounce bustling (audio)
Definition of bustlingnext
1
as in busy
involved in often constant activity a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity a bustling shopping center during the Christmas season

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bustling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of bustle
1
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied on Saturdays the city's downtown bustles with activity as a farmers' market sets up shop

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2
as in hurrying
to proceed or move quickly the hostess bustled about, taking care of last-minute preparations for the party

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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
Adjective
In the ‘80s, the restaurant was near the bustling Tryon Mall, and Beligrinis remembers a steady stream of customers and businesses close by. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 In the bustling Nyamirambo sector of Kigali, customers at Moses Sansiman's milk bar are spilling out into the street holding large glass mugs full of the creamy white drink. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
The air base itself was bustling with activity after the men were apprehended. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2026 California offers retirees a wide range of lifestyles, from coastal communities and mountain towns to bustling cities and suburban neighborhoods. — Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
  1. busy
  2. buzzing
  3. bursting
  4. hurrying
  5. engaged
  6. vibrant
  7. teeming
  8. traveling
Adjective
  • Erik Neander’s Oura Ring, a device that monitors heart rate and stress among other functions, had been busy in the days leading up to and during the American League Division Series against the Yankees.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Even on busy weekends, the staff are perfectly primed to welcome guests with Southern charm and efficiency.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • All the joy and buzzing activity arose from humble beginnings.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Still, a supportive connection between the moon, Neptune and Pluto retrograde adds a deeper undercurrent to all the buzzing and socializing.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of buzzing
Verb
  • Morgan Stanley shrugged off the bubble-bursting concerns, with its Global Investment Committee reiterating a year-end S&P 500 target of 8,000 and a mid-2027 target of 8,300—bullish territory, not a bust.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For a child bursting with energy, few things are more fun than hurtling through a bouncy castle, launching into the air, and ping-ponging between every surface.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of bursting
Verb
  • Before hurrying away from his tent on the beach, Saleh was asked what would happen if US support never came.
    — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Corle continued flagging and minutes later McCoy was back on the trail, hurrying to catch up.
    — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of hurrying
Adjective
  • The survey describes a wealthy, highly engaged slice of the generation, not Gen Z consumers generally.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Greene-Placentia later became more engaged in Arizona Democratic politics.
    — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • All is peaceful under the long, lazy loggia laden with vibrant fuschia bougainvillaea – the Passeggiata dei Monaci – and in the neat orchards low-hanging with fat, bobbly Amalfi lemons.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Among them were vibrant cap-toe sock boots, including one streaked with the vivid combination of purple and yellow as part of a colorful contrasting-print ensemble.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of vibrant
Verb
  • An archipelago famed for its friendly culture, white-sand beaches and teeming coral reefs, Fiji has struggled for years to contain a drug boom.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Lunch hour has its beginning and its ending, and somehow the whole teeming chaos of midcentury Midtown must be crammed within it, before the hour slams shut.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of teeming
Verb
  • Many of the units come with full kitchens and have one or two bedrooms making it ideally for families or those traveling in a group.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The traveling Asian food and cultural festival will make its Kansas City debut at Legends Field, offering visitors opportunities to explore dishes from across Asia, shop from more than 40 merchandise vendors and experience cultural traditions.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of traveling

Browse Nearby Words

bustles
bustling
busts
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Cite this Entry

“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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