Synonym Chooser

How does the verb continue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of continue are abide, endure, last, and persist. While all these words mean "to exist over a period of time or indefinitely," continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

When might abide be a better fit than continue?

While the synonyms abide and continue are close in meaning, abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

When could endure be used to replace continue?

Although the words endure and continue have much in common, endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

When is it sensible to use last instead of continue?

The words last and continue can be used in similar contexts, but last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

In what contexts can persist take the place of continue?

The synonyms persist and continue are sometimes interchangeable, but persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

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 continue Long an obstacle to humans seeking to continue down the river, the Falls of the Ohio offer a peek into prehistoric life. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025 And the scam compounds in Cambodia continue to operate, stealing money from victims including US citizens. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 Others joined him in the pond, and the ritual has continued ever since. Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Miller is navigating through the kinks, continuing to get acclimated with the taping of his wrist — something he’s been instructed to do — and working through the rust associated with not playing in an actual competitive game for nine months. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • Still, the project adds another exclusive tier to a venue already marked by VIP enclaves, raising questions about how much of COTA’s most distinctive real estate will remain truly accessible — and for how long.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But its 60-table card room, tucked into a low-key design, remained.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ford said after talking with Prime Minister Mark Carney he’s decided to pause the advertising campaign effective Monday so that trade talks can resume.
    Rob Gillies, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Matthews shows signs that normal service is resuming Quick release.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The White House released a full list of individuals and companies sponsoring the project on Thursday as questions about funding persisted.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The White House warned that millions of low-income families could lose their Women, Infants, and Children benefits by early November if the shutdown persists and the program doesn't receive additional funding.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Once dining rooms reopened, many people didn’t return.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The Park Theatre will now reopen with the team behind Vancouver’s Rio Theatre leading operations.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Real healing happens through permanent, supportive relationships, whether through adoption, reunification with family, or lasting connections with caring adults.
    Laura Rivera, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Most Playful Patterns With dual-sided prints and eclectic color combinations (hello chartreuse and maroon), Tortuga Forma’s table linens are carefully crafted in Japan for lasting durability.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After Taker won using the hold, Long restarted the match, allowing the current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk to retain his title quickly.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Within Biden’s first week in office in January 2021, the duo contacted Bard again and restarted a visa application process, this time successfully.
    Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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