continue

verb con·tin·ue \ kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü \

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

U.S. stocks are quiet early Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, as technology companies rise while energy companies continue to fall as investors sort through the ongoing damage caused by Harvey.

— Washington Post, "Global stocks mixed after China factory, Wall Street gains," 31 Aug. 2017
With rainfall and flooding from Harvey continuing to batter southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana, Chicago-area companies are stepping up to assist with relief efforts, donating supplies and money.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago-area companies contribute to Harvey relief efforts," 30 Aug. 2017
Looking ahead: The never-ending rebuild in Buffalo continues as coach Rex Ryan was fired at the end of last season before GM Doug Whaley and his staff were canned in the spring.

— george richards, miamiherald, "2017 AFC Preview: Can anyone beat Tom Brady and the Patriots?," 30 Aug. 2017
The collection at High Point will continue through Sept. 8 and go toward the American Red Cross and Austin Pets Alive, a Texas animal shelter that is evacuating animals and providing shelter and transportation to pets displaced by the flooding.

— steve zimmerman, Daily Southtown, "Orland-area students getting an education in how to help," 30 Aug. 2017
With the storm continuing to wreak havoc in Texas, its full economic impact is still unclear.

— Bloomberg.com, "Your Evening Briefing," 29 Aug. 2017
Burbank resident Mark Rickerby aims to continue trying to inspire others with his personal stories, this time with his dog Charlie.

— anthony clark carpio, Burbank Leader, "Burbank writer looks to inspire others with ‘Chicken Soup’ stories," 29 Aug. 2017
For districts like Naperville School District 203, local property taxes will continue to fund much of the budget.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "After Rauner signs funding bill, Naperville-area schools may see state dollars," 29 Aug. 2017
But after the shoulder pain continued, Wright’s rehabilitation assignment ended.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Mets Shut Down David Wright’s Rehab and Lose Yoenis Cespedes for Season," 28 Aug. 2017

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

See Words from the same year

continue Synonyms

Synonyms

abide, bide, endure, hold on, hold up, keep up, last, perdure, persist, remain, run on

Antonyms

cease, close, conclude, desist, die, discontinue, end, expire, finish, lapse, leave off, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up

Related Words

linger, stay, stick around, tarry; carry through, prevail, survive

Near Antonyms

abate, die (down), ebb, let up, moderate, subside, wane

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