continuance

noun

con·​tin·​u·​ance kən-ˈtin-yü-ən(t)s How to pronounce continuance (audio)
Synonyms of continuancenext
1
2
: the extent of continuing : duration
3
: the quality of enduring : permanence
4
: an adjournment of a court case to a future day

Examples of continuance in a Sentence

No changes to the property are allowed during the continuance of the lease. The lawyer asked the judge for a continuance.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Graf said the continuance was necessary to ensure Robinson’s attorneys have adequate time to review the evidence, calling it important to protect the defendant’s constitutional right to effective counsel. Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 When the court refused a second continuance to a later date, Haddy asked his client to appear alone and make another request for a new trial date on their own, according to the legal referee’s findings. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026 The trial was set to begin on May 26, but the parties asked for a lengthy continuance to pursue further discovery and discuss a possible settlement. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 Because the case will be decided by Cook County Judge Carl Boyd instead of a jury, the trial is not subject to the same time pressures and may have long continuances. Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for continuance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from continuer "to persist, continue" + -ance -ance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of continuance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Continuance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continuance. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

continuance

noun
con·​tin·​u·​ance kən-ˈtin-yə-wən(t)s How to pronounce continuance (audio)
1
: the act of continuing
2
: the extent of continuing : duration
3
: postponement of a case in a law court

Legal Definition

continuance

noun
con·​tin·​u·​ance kən-ˈti-nyə-wəns How to pronounce continuance (audio)
: the postponement of the court proceedings in a case to a future day

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