1
as in busy
involved in often constant activity
a bustling greeter was there to welcome guests to the grand opening
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bustling
Katie Chang, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Despite the hardships of Jim Crow, Liberia was a bustling part of town with pool halls, night clubs, churches, businesses and homes owned by Black residents.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2025
Indeed, aside from bustling film and TV sectors, Spain is home to a major theater market.
—Jennifer Green, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
Forced to flee during the Dominican Republic’s turbulent civil war, Quezada’s family immigrated to Manhattan’s bustling Latin district, Washington Heights, just as the diaspora’s thirst for homespun music intensified.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Adjective
Cherished by locals, but overlooked by tourists in favor of Japan’s bustling urban landscapes, Kii Peninsula brims with breathtaking natural beauty—from dense forests, to towering mountain peaks, to a rugged coastline—rich culture, and an enticing culinary scene.
—Katie Chang, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Despite the hardships of Jim Crow, Liberia was a bustling part of town with pool halls, night clubs, churches, businesses and homes owned by Black residents.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2025
Indeed, aside from bustling film and TV sectors, Spain is home to a major theater market.
—Jennifer Green, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
Forced to flee during the Dominican Republic’s turbulent civil war, Quezada’s family immigrated to Manhattan’s bustling Latin district, Washington Heights, just as the diaspora’s thirst for homespun music intensified.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustling
Adjective
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Understand Barcelona Cruise Port Barcelona’s cruise terminal is one of the busiest in the world, serving as a major gateway for Mediterranean itineraries.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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On the music side, Lil Boat hasn’t been too busy yet in 2025.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
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An intellectually dense film bursting with ideas, some of them contradictory, some troubling, all of them provocative.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Their journey began on these very grounds, where the couple first met as children and later became engaged on the same property.—
Natalie Hoberman,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
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Biles and Owens, 29, first met in 2020 and became engaged two years later.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Using Community Workspaces Relocating to a vibrant community that seamlessly blends work and leisure has been a game-changer for me.—
Tonia Ryan,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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The bold design choices continue into the main salon, with its vibrant furniture, and a circular dining area.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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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
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From patient inquiries to administrative notifications, your inbox is probably constantly buzzing.—
Ajay Prasad,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The two sides worked together to create a more diligent plan.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
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Prabhu’s diligent younger brother Venkati (Natesh) plans to marry Malabari’s sister Devaki (Bindu Raxidi), but the caste inequity between their families is sure to eventually rear its head.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This northern autonomous community of Spain is sophisticated, innovative and thriving — and its film sector is no different.—
Jennifer Green,
The Hollywood Reporter,
18 Feb. 2025
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In the modern workforce context, this approach is the key to unlocking teams’ full potential and championing a thriving future.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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An upholstered stool, for instance, can bring a burst of color without making the space feel crowded.—
Wendy Vazquez,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2025
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Personal branding and thought leadership consulting Personal branding and thought leadership consulting are in high demand as professionals and entrepreneurs recognize the need to stand out in crowded markets.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustling. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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