Synonyms of diligent

diligent

adjective

ˈdi-lə-jənt 

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

• engaged
• busy
• employed
• assiduous
• active
• industrious
• working
• occupied
• preoccupied
• sedulous
• laborious
• immersed
• bustling
• hopping
• focused
• concentrating
• absorbed
• tied-up
• lively
• going
• buzzing
• operating
• hardworking
• operational
• humming
• vibrant
• functioning
• tireless
• vigorous
• energetic
• engrossed
• indefatigable
• operative
• focussed
• animated
• intent
• thriving
• untiring
• functional
• flourishing
• happening
• knee-deep
• running
• astir
• swamped
• living
• alive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• idle
• free
• inactive
• unemployed
• unoccupied
• passive
• latent
• slow
• sleepy
• unbusy
• quiescent
• dormant
• asleep
• lifeless
• inert
• dull
• dead
• inoperative
• nonoperating

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

Recent Examples of diligent

Teachers could not use the internet in classes, which ruled out many teaching aids, such as explanatory videos, but the students were no less diligent and curious. —Brooke Allen, New Yorker, 12 July 2025

Other cities with similar laws on the books have been more diligent in imposing penalties on those who don't clear the sidewalks of snow and ice. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Although resilience often looks like luck or good character, the ability to prevent or reduce losses from any type of risk entails careful planning and diligent efforts. —Louis Gritzo, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

The group was not always diligent about following military directives. —Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025

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