continent 1 of 2

Definition of continentnext
as in mainland
one of the great divisions of land on the globe or the main part of such a division Europe and Asia are sometimes considered together to be one continent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

continent

2 of 2

adjective

as in temperate
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a religious sect that expects its unmarried members to be completely celibate and its married adherents to maintain continent relationships

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 continent
Noun
For example, the EU rolled out the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in late 2024, which allows certified crypto providers to operate legally across the whole continent, instead of forcing companies to seek separate licenses from each individual country. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026 Canada has since signed 13 trade and security deals across four continents. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Her razor-sharp songwriting, which is quippy like Kacey Musgraves and relatable like Taylor Swift, documents Zoee's cross-continent move, a handful of heartbreaks, and reflections on femininity. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Sep. 2025 Outside the States, Starlink has also won the business of a growing flock of airlines, including plans for fleetwide deployments on the multi-continent carriers Air France, SAS, and Qatar Airways. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continent
Noun
  • Huang visited mainland China at least three times last year, including in January for Lunar New Year celebrations.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
  • So Andrew landed a new gig on the mainland at Western Michigan, currently ranked 18th, losses to Tulane and Notre Dame.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After working up an appetite in the more temperate months, meals can be taken at the outdoor dining pavilion alongside the home.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
  • While potholes are most often associated with northern climates, those living in more-temperate regions can encounter them as well.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The bulk of the album has been painted with a similarly ascetic palette.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Despite his limitations, Joe displayed an impressive degree of ascetic discipline and a ravenous desire for God.
    Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Lunchtimes are more abstemious with avocado and tuna packed poke bowls and watermelon salad at the W lounge.
    Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • His first term now looks practically abstemious.
    Erin Neil, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some people want to remain abstinent to focus on their own personal growth, while others have resorted to it after becoming frustrated with today's dating culture.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
  • Ivan Neville has been on a few times and always talks being abstinent.
    Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Continent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continent. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on continent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!