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

This sequence continues with both of them lifting their heels and performing a rhythmic stretch meant to highlight the flexibility of their joint movement. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025

Myers will continue in that role for the Commanders. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025

This suggests that purring is mostly a passive process that continues automatically once triggered, rather than requiring ongoing muscle control. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Eckley chose the sleek Corten steel edging, and Fitzpatrick came up with the idea of tempering its modernity by continuing grass up the steps. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025