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 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 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
  • Associations that keep up with laws and embrace diligent management are simply better positioned for long-term stability and sustained owner confidence, even in the face of a shifting and sometimes unpredictable market.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Help recognize those keeping Anaheim beautiful Here is an opportunity to compliment and recognize your neighbors for their diligent work on maintaining their property.
    Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Swift, the superstar singer, and Kelce, the three-time Super Bowl champion, became engaged in August.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This album is Swift’s first as an engaged woman and her first since the Eras tour concluded in December 2024.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no better way to bring peace to a busy weeknight, welcome a new neighbor, or be reminded of your childhood than a nostalgic comfort food.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Good morning, it's been another busy week in Central Indiana.
    Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assiduous

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