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

as in diligent

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

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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 Tuba is currently having a resurgence in Colima, with the drink being sold by industrious street vendors and swanky mixologists alike. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Or an authoritative Uncle Jimmy sun, incomparable Sydney moon and industrious Marcus ascendant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Then an industrious deliveryman (Fernando Cardona) is forced to choose between his job and a final match with his teammates. — Carlos Aguilar, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for industrious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industrious

Adjective

More recently, diligent and passionate biologists, chemists, and experts from other disciplines have used technology for contemporary experiments that reveal a spectrum of plant consciousness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Dark circles happen, acne pops up, and dark spots can even appear despite diligent sunscreen use.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of diligent

Adjective

Smythson Bride-To-Be Soho Notebook Wedding season may be coming to a close, but this notebook is a perfect gift to help give engaged couples a place to plan out their nuptials for the coming year.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Families speak not only about how their children are more engaged in school, but happier and more hopeful about their future.

— Grant Oliphant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of engaged

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“Industrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/industrious. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of industrious

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