continual

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​al kən-ˈtin-yü-əl 

-yəl

1

: continuing indefinitely in time without interruption

continual fear

2

: recurring in steady usually rapid succession

a history of continual invasions

Did you know?

Since the mid-19th century, many grammarians have drawn a distinction between continual and continuous. Continual should only mean "occurring at regular intervals," they insist, whereas continuous should be used to mean "continuing without interruption." This distinction overlooks the fact that continual is the older word and was used with both meanings for centuries before continuous appeared on the scene. Today, continual is the more likely of the two to mean "recurring," but it also continues to be used, as it has been since the 14th century, with the meaning "continuing without interruption."

Synonyms of continual

• continuous
• continued
• continuing
• incessant
• nonstop

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of continual in a Sentence

This week we experienced days of continual sunshine.

The country has been in a continual state of war since it began fighting for its independence.

The continual interruptions by the student were annoying the teacher.

Recent Examples on the Web

The battle comes as decades of increasing water demand and drought in the West have caused a continual decline in water levels along the river, especially in reservoirs such as Lake Mead and Lake Powell. — James Powel, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

In practice, continual criticism from an investor, an outpouring of negative public sentiment, a prolonged issue at home, or persistent conflict within the executive team can begin to command disproportionate mental resources. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Modern life offers a continual stream of voices competing for our attention – news, social media, opinions, obligations, fears, and endless mental commentary. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026

Schueneman was grateful the original deal was lowered, but still criticized Xcel’s continual cost increases. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English continuel, borrowed from Anglo-French, probably from continu continuous + -el, going back to Latin -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

continual

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​al kən-ˈtin-yə(-wə)l 

1

: continuing without interruption

days of continual sunshine

2

: occurring again and again within short intervals

continual interruptions

continually

-ē

adverb