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 And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel. New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025 Indonesia has a history of catastrophic quakes, including the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster, making continuous seismic monitoring and preparedness crucial for minimizing casualties and infrastructure damage. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 My take on this is that a continuous glucose monitor can reveal individual variability in your post-meal glucose levels and increase your awareness of the impact of diet, activity, and sleep on your blood sugar levels. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025 At Bar do Omar, the standing area wraps around the bar to create a continuous veranda over the hillside. Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • Some of the benchmarks examined in the analysis measure specific skills, like Russian or Arabic language abilities, while other benchmarks measure more general capabilities, like spatial reasoning and continual learning.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The real beauty of sport lies in the continual struggle against imperfection, glaring weaknesses both inner and outer.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, millions of SNAP recipients face continued uncertainty about the timing and amount of their benefits.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Broncos also activated cornerback Reese Taylor for the first time this season to add cornerback depth in Surtain's continued absence.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 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
  • By mid-2025, the airport was offering more than 180 daily nonstop flights across 12 airlines.
    HECTOR AMEZCUA, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Qantas is moving forward with a jet that can handle first-ever nonstop flights between Sydney and New York or London.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Reflecting on her relationship with Livelsberger, Arritt recalled how Livelsberger struggled with incessant headaches and mental health problems.
    Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 11 Nov. 2025
  • His investing strategy has turned on an incessant search for value, with Berkshire Hathaway often sitting on giant piles of cash until just the right deal comes through.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The roof is an uninterrupted sheet of glass that ends over the rear seat, creating an open, airy interior.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
  • That ruling will likely determine whether federal food assistance continues uninterrupted or faces delays for millions of recipients.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on continuous

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