Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of industrious are assiduous, busy, diligent, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When could assiduous be used to replace industrious?

In some situations, the words assiduous and industrious are roughly equivalent. However, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

When is busy a more appropriate choice than industrious?

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

too busy to spend time with the children

When can diligent be used instead of industrious?

Although the words diligent and industrious have much in common, diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

When would sedulous be a good substitute for industrious?

The words sedulous and industrious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 industrious But first, and with no clear reason, a couple of alien creatures — blue blobs that mimic human speech — also pop their smiley faces into Billy’s industrious fund chasing. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025 Get inspired by a small group of industrious, tenacious, and daring men and women who were born into slavery and broke new ground to attain the highest levels of financial success. Essence, 7 Aug. 2025 On Wednesday, police identified the deceased as Nolan, an industrious entrepreneur. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025 No! Indiscriminate mass deportation of our law abiding, industrious, dutiful neighbors only recently arrived? Timothy Cardinal Dolan, New York Daily News, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for industrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for industrious
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

“Industrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/industrious. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on industrious

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