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 result is a project that feels thoroughly coherent across different scales, linking handheld detail to grand gesture in a continuous architectural flow. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 Noise pollution Data centers’ continuous operation means that cooling systems, including air chillers and cooling fans, generate a persistent humming sound around the clock – as do any generators that are in use to provide power. Ed Maibach, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 The honor, recognizing a regional theatre company that has displayed a continuous level of artistic achievement contributing to the growth of theatre nationally, is accompanied by a grant of $25,000, made possible by City National Bank’s generous support. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 Baltimore's 2026 violence data Earlier this month, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the continuous decline in the city's homicides and violent crime. Adam Thompson, CBS News, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • Sharpen Scissors and Shears Like any tool with a sharp blade, household scissors and kitchen shears wear down with continual use, but aluminum foil can help.
    Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
  • American freedom is a continual achievement that is secured by those willing to defend and perpetuate it.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Once the fuel treatment plan is approved, the final phase of the project will focus on removal of highly flammable invasive brush, dead vegetation and continued maintenance of defensible space across the river corridor.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • Implement a clear referral thank-you policy with thoughtful gestures to motivate continued support.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 6 June 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 temporary suspensions will affect nonstop service between LAX and Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Washington Dulles.
    City News Service, Daily News, 4 June 2026
  • Several of these routes will represent the only nonstop service between that city and the destination.
    Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • What LeVert couldn’t solve, however, was the Pistons’ incessant fouling.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • Negotiations, compromise, limited strikes, sanctions, temporary deals—none of them stopped, or could stop, Iran’s drive for nuclear-weapons capacity, its incessant efforts to subvert neighbors, or its attempts to destroy the state of Israel.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • For the mission, Blue origin's lander would carry NASA equipment while targeting a landing on the Shackleton Connecting Ridge – a region in the lunar south pole that can receive solar power from the sunlight and have uninterrupted communications with Earth, according to NASA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • People walked past me, heads down, conversations uninterrupted.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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