Synonym Chooser

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 Since the Target incident, Gregory said, Burleson-area retailers have been more diligent about keeping tabs on gift cards. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025 However, this age group has been relatively diligent in saving. Mike Winters, CNBC, 5 June 2025 Plus, for the most diligent shoppers, items often come up at steep discounts during sale season. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025 Soothe a sunburn No judgement: sunburns sometimes happen to even the most diligent sunscreen wearers. Holly Carter, People.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for diligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diligent
Adjective
  • His envoy Steve Witkoff remains engaged on the issue.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 June 2025
  • Be consistent, stay engaged and let your passion and results speak for themselves.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • He's got a busy schedule ahead, starring in season 2 of Peacock's Twisted Metal and Alex Winter's upcoming Adulthood.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, Lucas was busy writing his own take on Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, before ultimately deciding to hand off his empire to the House of Mouse.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • At his best, McCann does an assiduous, subtle job of twining his metaphors through everyday life.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is looking at an active summer.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Open-ear earbuds -- meaning buds with a tip that does not entirely seal off the ear canal -- are not supposed to be able to offer strong active noise cancellation.
    Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leroy Sané was industrious in the first half, but his inability to shoot with both feet hurt him and his team overall.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.
    Daniel A.C. McBride, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diligent. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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