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 This approach – called the Adaptive Staff Model and based on pioneering work by sociologist Andrew Abbott – embeds AI agents within continuous human-machine feedback loops, drawing on doctrine, history and real-time data to evolve plans on the fly. Benjamin Jensen, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025 The virus was declared eliminated by health officials in 2000 after a full year of no continuous spread, but declining vaccination rates have led to a growing number of outbreaks annually, experts say. Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2025 But those that invest in building a culture of continuous learning and change are better positioned to thrive, no matter what the future holds. Jb McGinnis, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2025 For a continuous harvest to last through the season, plant more spinach every one to two weeks. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • No Other Land tells the story of the struggle of Palestinian villagers against violence by Israeli settlers in this area, and the continual encroachment by settlers of their land.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025
  • And that’s not even taking into consideration the continual jerking around of Busy Philipps.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The project likely sells fairly well at the moment, especially for a decades-old title, but streaming activity is largely to thank for its continued success on the U.K. rankings.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Though scaled back from the couple’s original $100 million agreement, the new partnership reflects Netflix’s continued confidence in Markle's and Prince Harry’s storytelling.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025
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
  • Three new nonstop flights have arrived on the Milwaukee airport schedule.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Delta Air Lines is launching a new nonstop flight between Kansas City and Austin, Texas.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Being a professional athlete, with its expectations and incessant scrutiny from the stadium to the digital space, brings challenges regardless of the attractive pay packets.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Set, as always, on an island, the show borrows from other popular television concepts, pairing incessant humiliation with resortwear.
    Chloe Berger, SELF, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On arrival you’ll be taken inside to explore the monument’s inner framework and—best of all—access unique viewing points to cast your eye on uninterrupted views of the sprawling favelas, pristine beaches and epic mountain ranges from angles few people have ever seen.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • For people who wake up hungry in the middle of the night, a small serving of 1 to 2 tablespoons could curb hunger and promote better, uninterrupted sleep.
    Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on continuous

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