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 Montgomery Steppe said San Diego County needs to employ additional tools to ensure ongoing and continuous oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, which has recorded more than 250 in-custody deaths over the past two decades. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025 Overall, his paintings speak of a reverence of nature as something to cherish and preserve, along with unique creativity and continuous artistic growth. Daniella Walsh, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025 Designing continuous reactors or efficient solid–liquid separators is needed to handle this. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 That means continuous, worry-free operation without the need for constant charging or expensive wiring. New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • And in a sense, that’s part of the continual evolution.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
  • But Broncos are only up 10-6 on New York because of continual penalties.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The continued closure of the Rafah crossing is preventing delivery of equipment needed to find dead hostages and will therefore delay recovery efforts, Hamas said, according to Reuters.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Stop sticks were deployed in the northbound lanes; the SUV hit them but continued fleeing.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
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
  • Ipanema is less than 15 miles from Riogaleão International Airport (GIG), the port of entry for nonstop flights from the United States.
    Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The content lab runs on nonstop A/B testing.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is a torus of gas, dust and other debris stretching around Jupiter, constantly replenished by Io’s incessant eruptions.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The 49ers, who lost in Tampa Bay, have stayed afloat despite incessant injuries.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite visible damage, airport operations have continued uninterrupted.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The institution, which is funded roughly two-thirds by federal appropriations, said that while exhibits will close, animal care at the zoo and its Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia will continue uninterrupted.
    Nik Popli, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on continuous

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