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 MacFarlane will continue to provide the voice of Ted — a teddy bear brought to life by a boy’s wish, now grown up and bearing the hallmarks of a boorish Seth MacFarlane character. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 The Grateful Dead crafted a unique business model that continues to generate revenue and produce chart wins, decades after the band stopped releasing new music. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Here's what to know as other negotiations continue. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 9 May 2025 Meanwhile, crowds continue to gather in St. Peter's Square and wait for a white smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, which will indicate that the 267th pope has been chosen. Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for continue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the baseline 10% tariff Trump announced April 2 will remain in effect for most U.K. imports, which could lead to higher prices for consumers.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Where to Watch Marvel's 'Thunderbolts*' Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts* remains in theaters following its May 2 release.
    Jenna deJong, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Sitting with his defense team in Judge Arun Subramanian’s lower Manhattan courtroom, a steely eyed and fidgeting Combs Friday morning listened as the ‘Me & U’ singer resumed her testimony under questioning from attorney Anna Estevao.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 May 2025
  • The Murrays are scheduled to return to North Carolina on Thursday where the one-year marker awaits to be endured, and life resumes.
    Mac Engel May 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • After another disappointing week for the Orioles, questions about Brandon Hyde, the lineup and the club's trade deadline plans persist.
    Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2025
  • And yet, amid the velocity, a clear problem persists: most companies can’t effectively access their own information.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The 18-mile stretch into the Florida Keys has partially reopened Friday morning, while Card Sound Road reopened to leave the Keys as fire crews continue to battle a brush fire.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • Although not expected to result in any immediate agreements, the Geneva meetings could reopen channels for more formal bilateral investment talks.
    Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Or a slightly thicker phone with a beefier battery that could last two days?
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 13 May 2025
  • Judge Beverly Cannone estimated the trial could last between six and eight weeks.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The university restarted its football team in 2017.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2025
  • Instead, rising costs, particularly skyrocketing electricity prices in the U.S. relative to global competitors, are leading to smelter closures rather than restarts.
    Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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