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
  • But for most organizations, that mirror has remained foggy.
    Richard Lebovitz, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Normal service resumed on Oct. 30 2023 with the M3 Pro and M3 Max models, with Oct 30. 2024 seeing the M4 Pro and M4 Max models (alongside the vanilla M4 model).
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Now, as many attempt to resume their daily routines, buses and trains have become yet another place to fear.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Although the hottest temperatures are expected during the weekend, there is a moderate risk extreme heat will persist into later next week for parts of the Ohio Valley and East Coast states (New York could see 100-degree temperatures on Monday or Tuesday).
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom came under scrutiny from both sides of the aisle as questions concerning water pressure and access persisted.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump proposed reopening the site as a prison in May.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • As well as additional books to create this lasting legacy that Audrey envisions, so many generations have access to not just the film itself, but to the work behind the film.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 June 2025
  • Clearly that conventional wisdom had changed by this June 13 when the IDF initiated its large-scale aerial assault on Iran on, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said will last at least two weeks.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Now, restart the console one last time, and the issue should be fixed.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 12 June 2025
  • Try restarting your modem and check that all cables are securely attached.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 11 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on continue

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