diligent

adjective

ˈdi-lə-jənt How to pronounce diligent (audio)
Definition of diligentnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Bichette, who by all accounts is an extremely diligent and dedicated worker, just wants to help a team get back to the top of the mountain, even if that means playing a new position. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026 The authors were diligent students, high achievers. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026 Using that blueprint Wolf transformed the Packers into a dynasty with shrewd moves like trading for quarterback Brett Favre and signing Reggie White, setting a standard for organizational success through diligent scouting. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 To hasten decomposition, be diligent in following sound composting practices. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diligent
  1. engaged
  2. busy
  3. assiduous
  4. active
Adjective
  • Our divisions are constantly nudged, magnified, monetized, and weaponized by systems that profit from keeping us emotionally engaged and perpetually agitated.
    — Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Reality Steve also reported that Miguel has since gotten engaged to another woman not from Love Is Blind Season 10.
    — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of engaged
Adjective
  • This left a critical unit short-staffed during one of the highest profile searches in PCSD history and during the busiest time of year for Search and Rescue.
    — Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • February is typically a busy month there for winter sports including skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • 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
  • Indeed, many assiduous skywatchers observe outdoors with little discomfort.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Definition of assiduous
Adjective
  • Gerrit Cole’s 153 wins are the most by any active pitcher 35 or younger.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Corvus Robotics says the system can operate during active warehouse shifts without disrupting workflows.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of active

Browse Nearby Words

diligence
diligent
diligently
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Cite this Entry

“Diligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diligent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on diligent

Nglish: Translation of diligent for Spanish Speakers

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