continual

con·tin·u·al

adj \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

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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>.