Synonym Chooser

How is the word assiduous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of assiduous are busy, diligent, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

When is it sensible to use busy instead of assiduous?

Although the words busy and assiduous have much in common, busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

When could diligent be used to replace assiduous?

The words diligent and assiduous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

When would industrious be a good substitute for assiduous?

While in some cases nearly identical to assiduous, industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When can sedulous be used instead of assiduous?

The meanings of sedulous and assiduous largely overlap; however, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application.

a sedulous investigation of the murder

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 assiduous For Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, the trade deal would offer vindication for his assiduous cultivation of Mr. Trump. Ana Swanson, New York Times, 8 May 2025 With a push back on Wednesday night, the physical and assiduous Houston Rockets earned another battle against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 May 2025 In any case, an assiduous pre-inspection is essential. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025 Every song reveals new layers, showcasing not just a singer, but a true artist and assiduous researcher, constantly pushing the boundaries and discovering new ways to express the timeless journey of love. Mario Sesti, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for assiduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assiduous
Adjective
  • But the Dodgers have been diligent in adhering to their plan to build Ohtani’s innings slowly and carefully.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Ultimately, thoughtful prompts integrated with diligent validation can ensure your business remains agile, informed, and competitive in today's evolving marketplace.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This class offers an opportunity to stay active and engaged.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Every piece is thoughtfully designed with the feedback and support of the incredible, highly engaged community that’s been with me from the start.
    Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From ultrasounds to spacesuit assembly, Earth observations and monitoring blood flow, the seven members of the second half of Expedition 73 were kept busy this week aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • While Earn and Learn helps teenager find employment, the program’s participants have been on a steady decrease since 2022 Kylee Jackson, 15, has kept her mornings busy this summer.
    Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assiduous

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