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 Continue rotating side to side, in one continuous motion, for 30 seconds. Jenny McCoy, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026 People in a persistent vegetative state retain some brain stem functions that regulate involuntary bodily activities, such as heart rate, blood pressure and digestion, but cannot live without continuous care and treatment. Robert S. Olick, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026 But warmer temperatures and continuous sunshine eventually made that unsustainable. Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026 One continuous wall incorporates concentrated storage solutions and technical functions made from and swathed by wooden built-ins. Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • Ouroboros-like, Erdrich is in continual, self-devouring motion and thus presents a kind of constancy of transmutation — identity itself becomes a variable in the endless calculation of renewal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The synagogue attack has accentuated a continual escalation in threat toward American Jews over recent years.
    Odette Yousef, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Both officials emphasized the need for unity and continued vigilance, promising to support efforts that prevent further violence in the community.
    CBS News Atlanta Staff, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
  • There’s no proof the payments were ever made, but the reports have put the two under a microscope amid the continued investigation into their father and reports that their mother could be next.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Mar. 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
  • Thursday, March 19 SoCo Stomp This nonstop music festival in the heart of Austin’s entertainment and shopping district promises a good time.
    Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
  • South Floridians seeking a quick political business or leisure trip to the nation’s capital will soon have a new nonstop flight from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport among the choices to consider.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Aside from the wind, which can be incessant, the only things moving are the ravens and the squirrels.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The results contrast the president’s incessant assertion that the brunt of the cost of tariffs are paid for by foreign countries.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the weeks and months since plans to shutter were announced, there's been a level of cautious optimism that the paper will continue operating, hopefully uninterrupted, under new ownership.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Each of the four bedrooms can accommodate a king and share uninterrupted views of the land the house sits on.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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