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 Record sales were up, and due to his assiduous efforts, Colonel never tired of reminding Snow, all sorts of new, high-paying opportunities in radio and television were starting to open up. Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025 Astronomy has lost one of its most assiduous calculators of eclipses with the passing of astronomer Fred Espenak. Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 June 2025 Millay, an assiduous reader and enthusiastic quoter of poetry, was surely familiar with their work. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 1 May 2025 China has since become Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner and an assiduous supporter of the regime (and along with South Africa may have given its blessing to the recent coup). John Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2017 See All Example Sentences for assiduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assiduous
Adjective
  • In normal times, the agency acts like a loving but diligent parent, dispensing money at regular intervals to insure the kids don’t spend it all at once.
    Andy Kroll, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In recent years, officials have been far more diligent about timekeeping, leading to a rise in the volume of stoppage time played.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Employees stay engaged longer, teams navigate setbacks smoothly and leaders make stronger decisions under pressure.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The couple became engaged in August.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Perfect for both busy workdays and evenings out, the versatile top is easy to pair with lightwash jeans and a belt, or layered beautifully under blazers and cardigans.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For less hustle and bustle, busiest avoid traveling Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assiduous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!