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 If the offense continues to be electric, the fans might get overexcited. Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025 Designs have continued to evolve over the past 35 years, with the beach club becoming a focal point on newer vessels. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025 Volman was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, but continued to perform through the early stages of his illness. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 The Lexington Police Department said its special victims section is continuing to investigate. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • Spoon batter into pan, smooth top, and sprinkle streusel and remaining pecans.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • After defeating the Twins, the Royals remained just a game behind the Seattle Mariners (74-68) for the third and final wild-card spot.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Southwest Christian held a 14-7 lead over Dallas Christian at halftime; that contest will not resume.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In a video of the attack, Johnson is seen choking Cundiff for more than a minute and a half, resuming the strangling after Cundiff appeared unconscious, causing injuries to his throat and face.
    Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After a semester in Raton, Velasco moved to the Zuni reservation in New Mexico, where challenges persisted.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Native shrubs perfect for fall Chokeberry Chokeberry features crimson or orange leaves in autumn, with red berries that can persist through winter.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With the incident now fully resolved, Terminal 4 has reopened, and normal operations are resuming.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shrink dipped in 2020 as stores closed during the pandemic and customers shopped online — and then, as stores began reopening, retailers underestimated their shrink rate.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kennedy’s hearing, which lasted nearly three hours, was often contentious as he was grilled on everything from vaccine availability to his staffing shakeups at the CDC.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The relief group stepped up after José Berríos lasted just two innings Tuesday.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In a two-hour lightning delay that started in the third quarter, plenty of North Crowley football fans patiently waited for the Panthers’ game against DeSoto to restart.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • During the match introductions, fans also restarted their serenading after Styles' name was announced.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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