Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of assiduous are busy, diligent, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

When is it sensible to use busy instead of assiduous?

Although the words busy and assiduous have much in common, busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

When could diligent be used to replace assiduous?

The words diligent and assiduous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

When would industrious be a good substitute for assiduous?

While in some cases nearly identical to assiduous, industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When can sedulous be used instead of assiduous?

The meanings of sedulous and assiduous largely overlap; however, 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 assiduous Every song reveals new layers, showcasing not just a singer, but a true artist and assiduous researcher, constantly pushing the boundaries and discovering new ways to express the timeless journey of love. Mario Sesti, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The corruption alleged is less eye-popping than assiduous. The Editors, National Review, 27 Sep. 2024 In this new era, Russia and China represent neither chess pieces to be moved through assiduous acts of wise statesmanship nor great-power challengers that can be handled effectively without American activism. Richard Fontaine, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2022 In recent years, Portland has become a byword for fashionable left-wing guff, including the notion that crime and homelessness are little more than voluntary social constructs that are better fought with kind words and substantial welfare spending than with the assiduous enforcement of the law. The Editors, National Review, 23 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for assiduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assiduous
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
  • Shooting for 14 hours means Miller and her makeup artist, Kasey Spickard, have to be very diligent about her base routine.
    Tayler Adigun, Essence, 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
  • April Kiser, a spokesperson for Arkansas State Parks, said Memorial Day weekend is a particularly busy time for state parks.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
  • Amazon has been busy infusing AI into the shopping experience.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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