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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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
  • Dark circles happen, acne pops up, and dark spots can even appear despite diligent sunscreen use.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Grooming and health matter A Maine coon’s lush coat requires diligent upkeep.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of diligent
Adjective
  • The content remained identical, but attendance immediately became more engaged because employees could no longer operate on autopilot.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Roberts and Ocasio-Cortez became engaged in 2022 in Puerto Rico, where the congresswoman's family has roots, according to Business Insider.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • Also handily located for the railway station and the busy East Coast line that runs from London to Scotland.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Once the couple can fit the celebration into their busy schedules, Reba alum Melissa Peterman is ready to make their wedding cake.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of busy

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Cite this Entry

“Assiduous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assiduous. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on assiduous

Nglish: Translation of assiduous for Spanish Speakers

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