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 The end of the month could bring even more clever ideas to boost your income, so get industrious. Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 28 Apr. 2025 The nature of guilt proves elusive as the archivists learn of the river chalet, a lovely little lodge where a cadre of young, industrious camp administrators went to rest and recharge, to rejuvenate before returning to work long and hard amid the smoke billowing from the crematoria. Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 These Southeast Asian canopy dwellers are also among the most industrious and organized foragers in the rainforest treetops. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 Ukrainians are a good-humored, industrious and resourceful people who finally achieved independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, precipitated by the aggressive stance against communism by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for industrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for industrious
Adjective
  • Most of us who are mindful of the sun are likely diligent about our SPF application — and reapplication — on areas like our noses and the tops of our ears.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • Now, perhaps more than ever, investors need to be diligent in an increasingly speculative market.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, rewarding users with tokens costs companies, but the trade-off is a loyal, engaged audience.
    Matvii Diadkov, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Players like Jefferson, who do not have to show up for these voluntary sessions, are not only present but engaged.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Webster said the thought was to fill storefronts closest to the busiest World Cup activities, likely in and around downtown, or within a mile of the streetcar line.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
  • In the summer, people here are too busy enjoying themselves—drinking on patios, reading languorous books, stretching weekends in Crystal Beach or Sherkston out over three, four, five days—to do much of any importance.
    Aidan Ryan June 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Industrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/industrious. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on industrious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!