Synonyms of continue

continue

verb

kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü 

1

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state

the heavy snow continued throughout the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remain
• persist
• last
• stay
• endure
• survive
• abide
• linger
• hold on
• run on
• prevail
• bide
• keep up
• perdure
• hold up
• stick around
• tarry
• carry through

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stop
• cease
• die
• pass
• conclude
• end
• discontinue
• finish
• terminate
• close
• quit
• expire
• wind up
• desist
• die (down)
• lapse
• subside
• leave off
• moderate
• abate
• wane
• let up
• ebb

2

as in to resume

to begin again or return to after an interruption

we'll continue this discussion after we've eaten

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resume
• reopen
• restart
• renew
• proceed (with)
• revive
• pick up
• resuscitate
• recrudesce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conclude
• finish
• complete
• end
• consummate
• stop
• cease
• can
• stay
• finalize
• discontinue
• check
• terminate
• cut
• quit
• halt
• desist
• break
• drop
• shut off
• scuttle
• leave off
• knock off
• belay

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

Recent Examples of continue

Edmonds continues to excel Over the last month TCU center Xavier Edmonds has been one of the most productive big men in the Big 12 and that continued against West Virginia. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2026

The flurry continued with a second goal by Kelzenberg in the game’s final five seconds before the rally came up just short. —Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026

That ruling paved the way for federal immigration officials to continue wearing masks during California operations. —Nathaniel Percy, Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026

And when Katie was 9, the family moved south near Austin, where her mom continued to educate her and her younger brothers and sister. —Rachel Clarke, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026