continue

verb con·tin·ue \ kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: continue in a Sentence

Definition of continue

continued; continuing

intransitive verb

1 : to maintain without interruption a condition, course, or action

The boat continued downstream.

2 : to remain in existence : endure

The tradition continues to this day.

3 : to remain in a place or condition : stay

We cannot continue here much longer.

4 : to resume an activity after interruption

We'll continue after lunch.

transitive verb

1 a : keep up, maintain

continues walking

b : to keep going or add to : prolong

continue the battle

; also : to resume after intermission

2 : to cause to continue

chose not to continue her subscription

3 : to allow to remain in a place or condition : retain

The trustees were continued.

4 : to postpone (a legal proceeding) by a continuance

—

continuer

play \kən-ˈtin-yü-ər\ noun

See continue defined for English-language learners

See continue defined for kids

Examples of continue in a Sentence

The team will continue with their drills until the coach is satisfied with their performance.
The world's population continues to grow.
The traditions will continue only as long as the next generations keep them alive.
The good weather continued for several days.
The lecture continued for another hour after we left.
Exit the highway, take a right off the ramp, then continue down the street until you get to the first traffic light.
Continue along this path until you come to the end.
The plot gets more and more intricate as the story continues.

Recent Examples of continue from the Web

And Yelp's crowdsourced database of restaurant and other reviews continues to flourish.

— david pogue, Scientific American, "Megamergers I’d Like to See," 13 July 2018
Those cases have only continued to spike into 2018.

— kimberlee kruesi, idahostatesman, "In wake of #MeToo, Idaho sees dramatic increase in sexual harassment claims," 12 July 2018
Maroon 5 The new Hard Rock continues to deliver on its pop-star rep by sponsoring this stop on Adam Levine and friends’ Red Pill Blues Tour.

— lauren mccutcheon, Philly.com, "Halsey, a BBQ competition and other things to do down the Shore," 12 July 2018
The gym continued as a center of community functions, including independent league and pick-up basketball games.

— kyle neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "An Indiana gym gem: Restoration of Pleasantville gym a pleasant surprise," 12 July 2018
Texas continues to lead the nation in both the rate and number of uninsured with about 4.5 million people without coverage including nearly 700,000 children, according to health statistics.

— jenny deam, Houston Chronicle, "Texans missing or delaying needed treatment because health costs too high," 12 July 2018
Police continued to clear the scene Thursday afternoon, according to the release.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Semi driver distracted by bug spills 42,000 pounds of plastic on I-65 near Lowell," 12 July 2018
The shouting and hooting continued, and soon the deputies retreated inside, this time to stay.

— johnny miller, SFChronicle.com, "5 years, $26 million for QB Young," 12 July 2018
Detectives continued their work, gathering video and seeking out and interviewing more witnesses.

— david owens, courant.com, "Argument On Facebook Live Leads To Homicide," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'continue.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of continue

Middle English, from Anglo-French continuer, from Latin continuare, from continuus — see continual

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

continue Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of continue

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending.

- the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

- buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

- in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

- a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

- the sense of guilt persisted

CONTINUE Defined for English Language Learners

continue

verb

Definition of continue for English Language Learners

: to do something without stopping : to keep doing something in the same way as before
: to stay in a job or position
: to keep happening or existing : to remain active or in existence without changing or stopping