assiduous

adjective

ə-ˈsij-wəs How to pronounce assiduous (audio)
Definition of assiduousnext
as in diligent
involved in often constant activity the fascinating sight of assiduous ants carrying food into the anthill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Conversely, one area where Meeks’ restraint doesn’t pay off is in his assiduous avoidance of the political context around Cody, Jack, and the program. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2026 Record sales were up, and due to his assiduous efforts, Colonel never tired of reminding Snow, all sorts of new, high-paying opportunities in radio and television were starting to open up. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025 There is some minor damage noted in the Carfax report, and the auction listing also notes there is an open recall on the car—suggesting its owner was perhaps not the most assiduous—but, overall, looks clean in the photos. — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 25 May 2026 The timely message is told in a frequently absurd yet affecting style, including through the assiduous mo-cap of its A-list cast (which includes Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, and George Miller). — Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assiduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assiduous
  1. diligent
  2. engaged
  3. busy
Adjective
  • Bowen plays the diligent pro golf tour director of public relations and Happy’s kind, caring love interest Virginia Venit.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Now, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says its diligent job is done, signaling full containment of the fires soon.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • Written by Jeff Koyen, Edited by Mallory Gafas Since the start of generative AI’s enterprise proliferation, it has been largely regarded by executives and employees alike as a productive assistant more than an engaged collaborator.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Millions of engaged, curious readers open our newsletters every day.
    — britannica.com, britannica.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • The tribe wants to build a travel center on the land along a busy highway on Long Island.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Definition of busy

Browse Nearby Words

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assiduous
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Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on assiduous

Nglish: Translation of assiduous for Spanish Speakers

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