as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
I couldn't concentrate in all the bustle of the student lounge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
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
Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Despite its proximity to the lively Brick Lane, the bar has an intimate atmosphere and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
—Vogue, 22 Feb. 2025
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025
The towering pines are particularly striking, creating a natural boundary that separates the estate from the bustling streets beyond.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bustle
Noun
The apartments have been designed to offer residents a tranquil and calming environment; a relaxing haven away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
—Verb
In the Emerald City: The bustling streets of Emerald City take Glinda and Elphaba one step closer to finally meeting the Wizard.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for bustle
Noun
-
Spears' teen pregnancy immediately caused commotion among her family and her team.—
-
On a match day, the keenest supporters would gravitate to the main entrance halfway along, just after the dressing room windows where Ian Wright occasionally peered out and caused a commotion.—
Verb
-
Since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Janiah has carried a heavy load for Seminole Ridge, showcasing not only her scoring ability but also her all-around impact on the game.—
-
Today’s styles run the gamut from nostalgic hearts and classic knots to bursting stars and beachy swirls.—
Verb
-
Let Go of the Finish Line Intensity doesn’t mean rushing to orgasm.—
-
But the Indiana transfer played in just two games, picking up 13 rushing yards and 3 catches for 39 yards before the injury.—
Noun
-
Minor disturbances, such as noise, movement or a slightly full bladder, can now easily interrupt sleep.—
-
On Monday, March 24, Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call about a disturbance at a home on Barkers Crossing Avenue in Houston.—
Verb
-
Pro tip: Downtown will be buzzing with excitement, and parking will be limited, so rideshare apps or carpooling might be your best bet.—
-
Steven’s phone buzzed shortly after the first-half buzzer.—
Verb
-
The replacement crew's brand new SpaceX capsule still wasn't ready to fly, so SpaceX subbed it with a used one, hurrying things along by at least a few weeks.—
-
But once Friday night surge prices spike to unprecedented highs and he’s tasked between accepting more rides or hurrying over to the club for his duet with Janine, he’s caught between his trademark pragmatism and his newfound romance.—
Noun
-
The news, which surfaced late last week when letters to these vendors from Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts were shared with the media, caused an immediate stir and prompted some aldermen to publicly advise contractors not to comply with the request.—
-
Fans of this show based on a treatment by the legendary Bruce Lee caused enough of a stir that it was eventually renewed for Max exclusively, airing a third season on the streaming service.—
Verb
-
There’s absolutely no reason constraints ought to hum.—
-
Joe Raedle/Getty Images For more than a century, the U.S. and Canada have sold each other electricity through power lines that criss-cross the border, an arrangement that has historically hummed along thanks to the warm relationship between the two countries.—
Cite this Entry
“Bustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bustle. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share