Synonyms of continual

continual

adjective

kən-ˈtin-yü-əl 

1

as in continuous

going on and on without any interruptions

the castaways hoped that the continual broadcast of the distress signal would eventually attract attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

• continuous
• continued
• continuing
• incessant
• nonstop
• constant
• uninterrupted
• unceasing
• perpetual
• unremitting
• ceaseless
• unbroken
• persistent
• running
• permanent
• endless
• unending
• steady
• eternal
• interminable
• lasting
• enduring
• everlasting
• undying
• immortal
• deathless
• unvarying
• unchanging
• durable
• changeless
• stable
• indestructible
• imperishable
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• periodic
• discontinuous
• recurrent
• intermittent
• seasonal
• periodical
• occasional
• cyclic
• serial
• alternate
• rhythmic
• noncontinuous
• recurring
• sporadic
• spasmodic
• erratic
• irregular
• unsteady
• alternating
• spotty
• fitful

2

as in recurrent

occurring or appearing at intervals

a history of continual invasions from countries to the west

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recurrent
• recurring
• periodic
• intermittent
• periodical
• seasonal
• occasional
• on-and-off
• rhythmic
• cyclic
• serial
• sporadic
• alternate
• alternating
• spasmodic
• fitful
• erratic
• spotty
• irregular
• aperiodic
• unsteady

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuous
• constant
• incessant
• unceasing
• eternal
• perpetual
• everlasting
• interminable

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of continual are constant, continuous, incessant, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

In what contexts can constant take the place of continual?

While in some cases nearly identical to continual, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When could continuous be used to replace continual?

The meanings of continuous and continual largely overlap; however, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

When might incessant be a better fit than continual?

The words incessant and continual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is perennial a more appropriate choice than continual?

Although the words perennial and continual have much in common, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When is it sensible to use perpetual instead of continual?

The synonyms perpetual and continual are sometimes interchangeable, but perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of continual

Rails, bridges, tunnels and power lines all face extraordinary stresses, requiring exacting construction, meticulous inspections and continual upkeep. —Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026

Snowfall totals continue to climb with continual precipitation Saturday. —Kendrick Calfee updated January 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026

The nation was to be purged of continual sin not indeed all of its own doing—due partly to its inheritance; and yet a sin, a negation that gave the world the right to sneer at the pretensions of this republic. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

One was establishing a winning football team that played for Super Bowls on a continual basis. —CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!