continent 1 of 2

Definition of continentnext
as in mainland
one of the great divisions of land on the globe or the main part of such a division Europe and Asia are sometimes considered together to be one continent

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

continent

2 of 2

adjective

as in temperate
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a religious sect that expects its unmarried members to be completely celibate and its married adherents to maintain continent relationships

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 continent
Noun
Russia and the United States are in dispute over renewing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, intended to ban IRBMs entirely and reduce the threat of nuclear-capable missile on the European continent. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026 Its supply chain spans continents — chemical precursors from China, synthesized in Mexico, and transported across the southern border in quantities small enough to evade traditional enforcement — before spreading into communities far from any border. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Her razor-sharp songwriting, which is quippy like Kacey Musgraves and relatable like Taylor Swift, documents Zoee's cross-continent move, a handful of heartbreaks, and reflections on femininity. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Sep. 2025 Outside the States, Starlink has also won the business of a growing flock of airlines, including plans for fleetwide deployments on the multi-continent carriers Air France, SAS, and Qatar Airways. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continent
Noun
  • Reached by ferry from mainland Tuscany, the island combines varied coastlines, wooded hills and historic towns that are lively year-round, not just in the summer season.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Eilean Shona is a tidal island, physically (though usually invisibly) attached to the mainland, to the Rough Bounds.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Luckily, living in the South lends itself to year-round coastal getaways thanks to our temperate climate.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
  • It’s made from a stretchy, breathable fabric that will keep you comfy and temperate (a must for travelers who worry about overheating), and the snug fit is effortlessly flattering when worn with anything from leggings to a baggy pair of jeans.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The bulk of the album has been painted with a similarly ascetic palette.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Despite his limitations, Joe displayed an impressive degree of ascetic discipline and a ravenous desire for God.
    Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Lunchtimes are more abstemious with avocado and tuna packed poke bowls and watermelon salad at the W lounge.
    Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • His first term now looks practically abstemious.
    Erin Neil, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some people want to remain abstinent to focus on their own personal growth, while others have resorted to it after becoming frustrated with today's dating culture.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
  • Ivan Neville has been on a few times and always talks being abstinent.
    Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continent. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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