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 And despite the infusion of more than $1.7 billion since 2015, homelessness in the Portland area continues to climb faster than authorities can house people. Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025 White continued his recent torrid stretch with a two-run homer in the seventh to get the Braves within 6-4. David O'Brien, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Courtesy of brand Adidas Bravada 2.0 Platform Sneakers $60 Amazon Courtesy of brand H&M Feather-Soft Flared Ultra-High Jeans $35 H&M Ankle boots Even though the heat is starting to show, ankle boots continue to have their place in warmer climates. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025 False claims about vaccines continue to spread across Florida. Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Hischier remained down on the ice for a few moments after the goal in frustration.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Students at the school are on break this week, and classes are scheduled to resume on April 28, according to the school's academic calendar.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The decision to resume payments comes as Trump moves to shutter federal agencies, including the Education Department.
    Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The clash between Harvard and the Trump administration persists.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The injury persisted and Zhang was also forced to withdraw from the JM Eagle LA Championship.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Though it was replaced by a modern crossing in 1982, a 2.2-mile section reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in 2022.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The basilica will reopen to visitors again on Sunday.
    Sean Keane, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether through design, real estate, or social initiatives, Yemane’s businesses are all about impact, helping people build wealth, communities, and lasting relationships.
    William Jones, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Great Migration brought many Black American artists and thinkers to New York City, famously spurring the Harlem Renaissance, which lasted from the end of World War I through the 1920s.
    Johanna K. Taylor, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Samsung is no doubt working to fix the issues and restart the update rollout.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Delegates from the United States and Iran are holding talks in Oman on Saturday in a delicate effort to restart negotiations over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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