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 Iran is taking diligent steps to ensure only certain vessels are able to pass, prioritizing countries with friendlier relations or ships with links to their own trade. —

Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026 Josh was a talent on the court but much less diligent off it. —

Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026 This quiet yet diligent work continued for years, with Krier on the lobbying forefront as National Rosie the Riveter Day was ultimately established by Congress in 2017. —

Karla Marie Sanford, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026 Some reviewers are unhappy with slow results — but Hers products are most effective when used consistently for a minimum of three months, and there’s no way of knowing how diligent these reviewers were. —

Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diligent

Adjective

The current administration has taken a more disciplined approach to accountability, and congressional Republicans have been more engaged in providing the kind of oversight the Constitution envisions.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
As such, participants, as well as those who are simply interested in what Collins and AFP have to share, are encouraged to stay engaged and informed through ongoing content and social platforms, particularly through Freedom is Bigger.

— William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026