Synonym Chooser

How is the word perennial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of perennial are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When could constant be used to replace perennial?

While in some cases nearly identical to perennial, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

Where would continual be a reasonable alternative to perennial?

Although the words continual and perennial have much in common, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perennial?

The words continuous and perennial can be used in similar contexts, but continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perennial?

In some situations, the words incessant and perennial are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can perpetual be used instead of perennial?

The words perpetual and perennial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

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 perennial Tough perennial weeds require horticultural vinegar (20% or 30%). Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025 There is no word yet on who will succeed actor Daniel Craig to portray Bond in the upcoming film, a casting decision that is a perennial source of speculation. Bill Chappell, NPR, 26 June 2025 Read more Volcanoes Satellite Images Reveal Scale of Wildfires Scorching New Mexico Mostly covered by perennial snow, ice and numerous glaciers radiating from the summit area, large avalanche deposits are observed on Iliamna's flanks, especially down the Umbrella Glacier on its southwest side. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 In ornamental beds, install cardboard rings under the mulch around perennial or annual plants to stop weeds from intruding. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • That memory, faint but enduring, was set in the downstairs den of their home.
    Ajdina Halilovic, Wired News, 6 July 2025
  • But those undeniable glimpses didn’t develop into anything more enduring.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • An investigation into the incident is reportedly ongoing.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • However, investigations into the cause are ongoing. 10 engines, four water tenders, one dozer and three hand crews are all continuing to fight the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The pair are part of a series of works which will lead to the creation of an immortal garden, suitable for any landscape, pulling inspiration from plants and trees which aid humanity either by granting us shad More sculpture by Pelletti is on display at Bowman Sculpture.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The Old Guard 2 (Netflix movie) Andy (Charlize Theron) and her team of immortal warriors face a powerful new foe.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the bathroom, which filled with morning light, the chain to flush the toilet was almost out of reach, and the sibylline whisper of the refilling tank seemed an eternal admonishment to the living.
    Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • The goldfish is named Atman, the Sanskrit word for the eternal, universal self, which signals to the audience that Haidle’s play is more than a story about cake and candles.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Following its completion of the Bitstamp acquisition, EU users will soon gain access to perpetual futures with up to 3x leverage—a tool typically favored by advanced traders.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In Europe, crypto perpetual futures will offer eligible users up to 3x leverage, routed through Bitstamp.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Officials said overnight enforcement will focus on common and continuing offenses such as commercial vehicles parked in residential areas and permit violations.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Withholding these funds will cause lasting harm to students and families, and to our education system, our future workforce, and our economy.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • And there was no lasting evidence of that whatsoever.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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