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 The inning continued with Pete Alonso reaching on a hit-by-pitch. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025 The lawyers for Abrego Garcia filed an emergency motion on Thursday asking a judge to order his return to Maryland, and to block immigration officials from deporting him while his criminal case in Tennessee continues to play out. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025 The drama continues once the queens start handing out their points. Andy Swift, TVLine, 26 June 2025 Well, continue his healing journey — in whatever form that takes. EW.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for continue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • Firefighters remained at the scene Tuesday afternoon.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The parasite's rapid spread through Mexico triggered the May suspension after the USDA's February attempt to resume imports with enhanced inspection protocols proved insufficient.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Canada scrapped its digital services tax and agreed to resume trade negotiations with the U.S. that could ease months of tensions between the key allies and trading partners.
    Sara Salinas,Jacob Pramuk,Michele Luhn, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • While doubts about the success of attacks against Iran’s nuclear capabilities persist, and confusion about the feasibility of Iran’s nuclear ambitions endures, there is less doubt about the results for Iran’s patrons and neighbors.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Despite various avenues of communication and the increasingly digital process of creating denim, a gap persists between designers and the people executing their designs.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In preparation for his role as Marcus, breadmaker for The Original Beef of Chicagoland and soon-to-be budding pastry chef when the restaurant reopens as its titular name in Season 3, Boyce was tasked with learning from real-world chefs to emulate one on camera.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump proposed reopening the site as a prison in May.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Sanders’ draft slide lasted until the third day, when Cleveland selected him.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Sunday's flight lasted about 10 minutes and 33 seconds, allowing the civilian crew a chance to unbuckle from their seats and briefly experience weightlessness in the capsule.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Lee took office with a promise to restart long-dormant talks with North Korea and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula.
    Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • Lim said those tours won't likely restart anytime soon, though both new liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump have expressed hopes to revive dialogue with North Korea.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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