DILIGENT Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'diligent' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of diligent are assiduous , busy , industrious , and sedulous . While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit. // very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

Q: When might 'assiduous' be a better fit than 'diligent'?

The meanings of assiduous and diligent largely overlap; however, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application. // assiduous practice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'busy' instead of 'diligent'?

While the synonyms busy and diligent are close in meaning, busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure. // too busy to spend time with the children

Q: In what contexts can 'industrious' take the place of 'diligent'?

Although the words industrious and diligent have much in common, industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work. // industrious employees

Q: When would 'sedulous' be a good substitute for 'diligent'?

The words sedulous and diligent can be used in similar contexts, but sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application. // a sedulous investigation of the murder

diligent

adjective

ˈdi-lə-jənt

Definition of diligent next

as in engaged

involved in often constant activity a student who has been unceasingly diligent in pursuit of a degree in mathematics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of diligent are assiduous, busy, industrious, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

When might assiduous be a better fit than diligent?

The meanings of assiduous and diligent largely overlap; however, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

When is it sensible to use busy instead of diligent?

While the synonyms busy and diligent are close in meaning, busy chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure.

too busy to spend time with the children

In what contexts can industrious take the place of diligent?

Although the words industrious and diligent have much in common, industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When would sedulous be a good substitute for diligent?

The words sedulous and diligent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 diligent There also has been diligent efforts by Yancy’s team to finalize the formation of Interact Clubs — service clubs affiliated with Rotary International for young people — that will kick off in early 2025 at Cass Tech, Martin Luther King Jr. and Osborn high schools. —

Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 15 Dec. 2024 When deciding to purchase a franchise, conduct diligent research. —

Michael McFall, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Weather gossip filled his incoming mail with friends, like James Madison and Ezra Stiles, who sent diligent reports. —

Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 Even the most diligent brushers, flossers, and swishers can benefit from one of the best whitening toothpastes. —

Annie Blackman, Allure, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diligent

Adjective

Just remember that staying engaged and aware of the type of ASMR content children consume is key to ensuring a safe and positive experience, stresses Dr. Adusei.

— Holly Garcia, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
The brain of a neurodivergent person is wired for passions and novelty, which trigger the motivation to start and stay engaged with that interesting task, Nordmeyer said.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025