continual

con·tin·u·al

adjective \kən-ˈtin-yü-əl, -yəl\

Definition of CONTINUAL

1

: continuing indefinitely in time without interruption <continual fear>

2

: recurring in steady usually rapid succession <a history of continual invasions>

— con·tin·u·al·ly adverb

Examples of CONTINUAL

1. This week we experienced days of continual sunshine.
2. The country has been in a continual state of war since it began fighting for its independence.
3. The continual interruptions by the student were annoying the teacher.

Origin of CONTINUAL

Middle English, from Anglo-French continuel, from Latin continuus continuous

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTINUAL

Synonyms

ceaseless, continuous, continued, continuing, incessant, nonstop, perpetual, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting

Antonyms

discontinuous, noncontinuous

Related Words

dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, interminable, permanent, undying, unending; changeless, constant, stable, steady, unchanging, unvarying; durable, enduring, lasting, persistent; imperishable, indestructible

Near Antonyms

intermittent, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring; alternate, alternating, cyclic (or cyclical), rhythmic (or rhythmical), seasonal, serial; erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady

Synonym Discussion of CONTINUAL

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence <continual showers the whole weekend>. continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension <football's oldest continuous rivalry>. constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence <lived in constant pain>. incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity <annoyed by the incessant quarreling>. perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration <a land of perpetual snowfall>. perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal <a perennial source of controversy>.