DILIGENT Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'diligent' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of diligent are assiduous , busy , industrious , and sedulous . While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit. // very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Q: When might 'assiduous' be a better fit than 'diligent'?

The meanings of assiduous and diligent largely overlap; however, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application. // assiduous practice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'busy' instead of 'diligent'?

While the synonyms busy and diligent are close in meaning, busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure. // too busy to spend time with the children

Q: In what contexts can 'industrious' take the place of 'diligent'?

Although the words industrious and diligent have much in common, industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work. // industrious employees

Q: When would 'sedulous' be a good substitute for 'diligent'?

The words sedulous and diligent can be used in similar contexts, but sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application. // a sedulous investigation of the murder

diligent

adjective

ˈdi-lə-jənt

Definition of diligent next

as in engaged

involved in often constant activity a student who has been unceasingly diligent in pursuit of a degree in mathematics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of diligent are assiduous, busy, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

When might assiduous be a better fit than diligent?

The meanings of assiduous and diligent largely overlap; however, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

When is it sensible to use busy instead of diligent?

While the synonyms busy and diligent are close in meaning, busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

In what contexts can industrious take the place of diligent?

Although the words industrious and diligent have much in common, industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When would sedulous be a good substitute for diligent?

The words sedulous and diligent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 diligent Stephanie and Malcolm's relationship petered out relatively quickly, after the diligent doctor realized the hotshot party boy wasn't likely to slow his pace to meet hers. —

Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026 More information is always better for the diligent investor. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026 To that end, regulators need to be more diligent in rooting out scams. —

Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026 The family’s ability to relax enough to enjoy their lives requires long-term planning and diligent saving. —

Eliza Shapiro, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diligent

Adjective

His willingness to seek support, stay engaged and persevere through obstacles demonstrates maturity well beyond his years.

— Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026
In a world filled with distractions, strength training can help reset your mind and keep you mentally engaged.

— Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026