continuance

noun

con·​tin·​u·​ance kən-ˈtin-yü-ən(t)s 

1

: continuation

2

: the extent of continuing : duration

3

: the quality of enduring : permanence

4

: an adjournment of a court case to a future day

Synonyms

• duration
• lifespan
• life
• time

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

And the bad thoughts may serve a biological purpose: because mothers who have thoughts of infanticide are more likely to compulsively check on their infants, their hypervigilance may be what has ensured the continuance of their line. —Andrew Kay, Harpers Magazine, 28 May 2025

Whether this comes to bite the prosecution in the long-run remains to be seen, but certainly Richard’s presence is an addition to any continuance or appeal move the defense chooses to make down the line. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 May 2025

What resulted was a seven-run inning from the Bluejays on way to the 11-4 win, marking a collapse to threaten the continuance of a season approaching the most wins in program history. —Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025

His team also asked for a continuance, or a postponement, of the domestic violence restraining order hearing that had been scheduled for June 4. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 6 June 2025

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

Rhymes for continuance

• discontinuance

Kids Definition

continuance

noun

con·​tin·​u·​ance kən-ˈtin-yə-wən(t)s 

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 

: the postponement of the court proceedings in a case to a future day