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 All of it together can swamp even those who are most assiduous about their health. — CBS News, 3 Jan. 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 The body, which was created in 1829, has been assiduous in ensuring its members receive fair payment for their work in the digital age. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025 Amid this totalizing assault, the nutria’s assiduous gnawing may seem a relatively mild insult; in the state’s coastal-threat index, the nutria would come in sixth place. — Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assiduous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assiduous
  1. diligent
  2. engaged
  3. busy
Adjective
  • Both players are diligent with preparation and exude a toughness that coaches love.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Receiving that crown of life comes through diligent prayer, and we are helped along the way at various checkpoints.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • The couple began dating in 2018, became engaged in January 2019 and married in June of that year.
    — Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • If companies want more engaged workers, ADP CEO Maria Black says CEOs and senior leaders should start by asking themselves if employees trust them.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • The best travel accessories are the ones that quietly earn a permanent spot in your carry-on, and Amazon’s outlet has some useful finds ahead of the busy holiday travel season.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Emily Ratajkowski has been keeping busy in Los Angeles, mixing daring mirror selfies with a little romance.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of busy

Browse Nearby Words

assiduity
assiduous
assiduously
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Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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