Synonyms of assiduous

assiduous

adjective

ə-ˈsij-wəs 

as in diligent

involved in often constant activity

the fascinating sight of assiduous ants carrying food into the anthill

Synonyms & Similar Words

• diligent
• engaged
• busy
• employed
• active
• occupied
• industrious
• working
• preoccupied
• sedulous
• laborious
• immersed
• bustling
• hopping
• concentrating
• absorbed
• tied-up
• focused
• buzzing
• lively
• indefatigable
• tireless
• humming
• engrossed
• operational
• operating
• vigorous
• vibrant
• operative
• functioning
• animated
• going
• untiring
• focussed
• hardworking
• energetic
• intent
• flourishing
• thriving
• knee-deep
• astir
• functional
• swamped
• happening
• running
• living
• alive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• idle
• unemployed
• inactive
• free
• unoccupied
• latent
• passive
• quiescent
• sleepy
• slow
• unbusy
• dormant
• inert
• lifeless
• asleep
• dull
• dead
• inoperative
• nonoperating

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

Recent Examples of assiduous

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

The corruption alleged is less eye-popping than assiduous. —The Editors, National Review, 27 Sep. 2024

In this new era, Russia and China represent neither chess pieces to be moved through assiduous acts of wise statesmanship nor great-power challengers that can be handled effectively without American activism. —Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2022

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