Definition of continuousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word continuous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of continuous are constant, continual, incessant, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can constant take the place of continuous?

The words constant and continuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When would continual be a good substitute for continuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to continuous, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When could incessant be used to replace continuous?

While the synonyms incessant and continuous are close in meaning, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is perennial a more appropriate choice than continuous?

The meanings of perennial and continuous largely overlap; however, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When might perpetual be a better fit than continuous?

In some situations, the words perpetual and continuous are roughly equivalent. However, perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

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 continuous The move is part of Mango’s continuous effort under the name of Sartorial Journey to push the brand positioning upward, having first teamed up with Milanese brand Boglioli in 2023. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026 Skilled doctors, strong clinical standards, and continuous surgical innovation define its global reputation. Daniel Fusch, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Icelanders speak one of the world’s oldest languages in continuous use and elect representatives to a parliament that has a claim to being the world’s oldest surviving legislative body. Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026 Two therapists work in sync to create a continuous, enveloping rhythm that’s disorienting in the best way. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • There are many good answers, but at the base is the continual creation of more jobs in Texas that stay in Texas, as technology is increasingly changing the way money is earned.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • District enrollment declining McMullen said Olathe Schools saw a continual increase in enrollment from 1965 to 2019, averaging a growth of 493 students a year during that period.
    Kendrick Calfee February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Los Angeles County has unsuccessfully attempted to phase out the use of pepper spray inside its juvenile facilities for nearly seven years, and all of the current Board of Supervisors publicly oppose its continued use.
    Jason Henry, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Every department should be submitting regular reports justifying expenses, if not their own continued existence.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials said overnight enforcement will focus on common and continuing offenses such as commercial vehicles parked in residential areas and permit violations.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The nonstop route will see five flights per week during the winter season, also on board Delta’s A330-300 planes.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Finally, remember that the competition schedule is nonstop.
    Julia Frankel, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With the incessant storms that year, bush pilots said red lights would be easier to see than the current blue ones.
    Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
  • If Houston opens the season with both players on its roster — and all the other infielders are healthy — conversations surrounding each day’s lineup decisions will be incessant.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, AI chips require steady, uninterrupted power, even as their demand spikes during intensive computation.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Unfolding in real time, using uninterrupted one-shot takes to mirror the urgency of a breaking story, the film is set over the course of a single morning in November 1949, inside the bustling New York headquarters of the respected Verity Press.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on continuous

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