INDUSTRIOUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of industrious are assiduous , busy , diligent , and sedulous . While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work. // industrious employees

Q: When could 'assiduous' be used to replace 'industrious'?

In some situations, the words assiduous and industrious are roughly equivalent. However, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application. // assiduous practice

Q: When is 'busy' a more appropriate choice than 'industrious'?

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

Q: When can 'diligent' be used instead of 'industrious'?

Although the words diligent and industrious have much in common, diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit. // very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

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

The words sedulous and industrious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sedulous implies painstaking and persevering application. // a sedulous investigation of the murder

industrious

adjective

in-ˈdə-strē-əs

Definition of industrious next

as in diligent

involved in often constant activity an industrious worker who never seems to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of industrious are assiduous, busy, diligent, and sedulous. While all these words mean "actively engaged or occupied," industrious implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work.

industrious employees

When could assiduous be used to replace industrious?

In some situations, the words assiduous and industrious are roughly equivalent. However, assiduous stresses careful and unremitting application.

assiduous practice

When is busy a more appropriate choice than industrious?

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

too busy to spend time with the children

When can diligent be used instead of industrious?

Although the words diligent and industrious have much in common, diligent suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit.

very diligent in her pursuit of a degree

When would sedulous be a good substitute for industrious?

The words sedulous and industrious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 industrious Capricorn The cardinal earth sign, symbolized by the Sea Goat, is ruled by Saturn, the planet of boundaries, restrictions, hard work, and commitment, which can translate to your kid being fairly serious, industrious, grounded, and driven even from a young age. —

Maressa Brown, Parents, 18 June 2026 McFred was industrious, but without finesse or attacking zeal. —

Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 Gardeners know pollinators are essential, especially those industrious bees buzzing tirelessly in and out of squash blossoms and trumpet vines. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 June 2026 While the floor-to-ceiling windows in each room provide an industrious look at Atlanta’s train systems, juxtaposed with the bright lights of the bustling Howell Mill Road corridor. —

Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for industrious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industrious

Adjective

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
Since then, Roberts, who will also manage the NL All-Star team, has appreciated how diligent Pages has remained in his routine.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 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