BUSTLE Synonyms: 208 Similar and Opposite Words

bustle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of bustle

as in commotion

a state of noisy, confused activity I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bustle

2 of 2

verb

ˈbə-səl

as in to burst

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

as in to rush

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 bustle

Noun

Across the street, the charred frames of buildings destroyed in the fire still stood, a stark contrast to the bustle inside the Village, where shops welcomed visitors back with opening-day promotions and give-aways. — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 Zouaghi’s pursuit for local flair is what led him to Dean Village, a 12th-century milling village chock-full of medieval charm just 15 minutes from the city bustle. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

On the other end of the spectrum is the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working harbor with a commercial center comprised of shops, bars, and the Cape Ferris Wheel. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026 Whitechapel was bustling, crowded, and poor, a place where vulnerable women might be found. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bustle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustle

Noun

The Canadian singer caused a commotion with her ensemble, showing off a head-to-toe Alaïa ensemble from the upcoming Archetypes spring 2027 collection.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
There was no illness or injury, Krauss said, but the dog seemed ready to step away from the crowds and commotion.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of commotion

Verb

The Fire Department rescued numerous residents who had become trapped by the flames, which were seen bursting from the building, KCTV5 reported at the time.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
The illusion of a beautiful, war-free Dresden, however, would soon burst for these men, going as flat as the champagne bubbles after the wedding of Billy Pilgrim’s daughter.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of burst

Verb

Paramedics with the Liberty Fire Department rushed to his aid and took him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Outside the emergency room entrance, Katie Winschief floated above her body as paramedics put her in a wheelchair and rushed her toward the hospital doors.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of rush

Noun

Estradiol transdermal patches, which deliver the estrogen hormone directly into the bloodstream, are used to ease menopause symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes and sleep disturbances.

— Sriparna Roy, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
As if a million white collar workers suddenly cried out in terror at once, a great disturbance in the AI force forced down every major AI chatbot service — a brief moment of reprieve from our AI empire overlords.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of disturbance

Verb

The monsters of the original — the Cyclops and the sirens — are replaced by drones that buzz across the stage and models of robotic war machines.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
And as Forte mentioned, the film is being released amid glowing reviews and very positive audience buzz.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of buzz

Noun

Among them was a Washington think tank that caused a stir with a paper that proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 to shore up the retirement trust fund.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Just over 100 years later, Genesis executives posted up at the same historic place aiming to once again cause a stir.

— Marco Della Cava, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stir

Verb

While the business continues to hum along, competition is on the horizon from Advanced Micro Devices, Google and others.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Wi-Fi networks already hum away in homes, offices, airports, cafes, and shops worldwide, giving a technique like this enormous potential reach.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of hum

Browse Nearby Words

busting

bustle

bustled

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“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustle. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bustle

noun

verb

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