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
Katherine had her first passport stamped before her first birthday, and has traveled to all seven continents. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026 In February 2017 separate studies examining Earth’s geological and geophysical characteristics revealed evidence of ancient sunken continents in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The 121st World Series will head back cross-continent for at least a Game 6 at the end of the week in Toronto’s Rogers Centre. Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025 Schneider reflects on Game 5 ‘what-ifs’ A cross-continent flight and 21 hours later, Schneider stepped in front of reporters. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continent
Noun
  • While Iranian missiles cannot yet reach the US mainland, officials say cyberattacks offer a way for Iran to respond asymmetrically by hitting critical US infrastructure in cyberspace.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The leisurely drive through a tunnel of oaks takes you onto the barrier island which, although close to the mainland, feels worlds away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With only a few exceptions, humans live primarily in temperate regions, but an eclectic array of other creatures thrive in the inhospitable.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Eventually, and probably soon, the max-maxxers will seem temperate in hindsight.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Housed in a bulletproof case, the delicate bones reveal the saint’s ascetic life while strict security protects relics from historical theft.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
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
  • Like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day where Catholics are obliged to fast and stay abstinent throughout the day until midnight.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • At the end of six months, those who had taken just one dose of psilocybin had more than six times greater odds of being abstinent from cigarettes than their counterparts who relied on the nicotine substitute.
    Will Stone, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Continent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continent. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on continent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster