Definition of continuousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word continuous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of continuous are constant, continual, incessant, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can constant take the place of continuous?

The words constant and continuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When would continual be a good substitute for continuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to continuous, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When could incessant be used to replace continuous?

While the synonyms incessant and continuous are close in meaning, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is perennial a more appropriate choice than continuous?

The meanings of perennial and continuous largely overlap; however, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When might perpetual be a better fit than continuous?

In some situations, the words perpetual and continuous are roughly equivalent. However, perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

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 continuous Judith Martin's Miss Manners column has chronicled the continuous rise and fall of American manners since 1978. Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026 Their continuous efforts involve coalition members regularly appearing at city council meetings and a deluge of emails, now numbering nearly 22,000, continually bombarding city hall. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026 The breathable fabric feels light on the skin, allowing continuous air flow and day-long comfort. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026 Crew-12 after arrival will become part of Expedition 74 as the space station continues more than 25 years of continuous human presence. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • The 71-year-old Orlando father has bad knees and continual back pain from the effort.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
  • SpaceX says that its constellation has about 30,000 tracking cameras that are capable of detecting and tracking objects on a continual basis, building up databases that make calculations much faster – minutes instead of hours.
    David Szondy February 07, New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The city is planning to upgrade the existing theater for continued use by local community groups while creating a second theater for TheatreWorks, founded in Palo Alto in 1970.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Whether the Pac-12 has a higher percentage of football games on linear TV or is collecting a few million more per school is secondary to the continued existence of two major college football conferences in the western third of the country for at least the next four or five years.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials said overnight enforcement will focus on common and continuing offenses such as commercial vehicles parked in residential areas and permit violations.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Of the 19 total routes which saw an increase in customers, eight were nonstop routes.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Austin airport adds new nonstop destinations Throughout the year, Austin passengers gained access to four new destinations.
    Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With the incessant storms that year, bush pilots said red lights would be easier to see than the current blue ones.
    Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
  • If Houston opens the season with both players on its roster — and all the other infielders are healthy — conversations surrounding each day’s lineup decisions will be incessant.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This mattress pulls out all the stops, including individualized support and motion isolation, all-night heat transfer, and contouring foams for uninterrupted sleep.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Sherwin-Williams Quietude A calming blue-green is a lovely choice for giving a space a more expansive feel, particularly when the entire room is color drenched from top to bottom to create uninterrupted lines.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on continuous

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