Synonyms of continuous

continuous

adjective

kən-ˈtin-yü-əs 

as in continual

going on and on without any interruptions

a city that has been under continuous bombardment for three days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• continual
• continued
• continuing
• nonstop
• incessant
• uninterrupted
• constant
• unbroken
• unceasing
• perpetual
• unremitting
• ceaseless
• running
• persistent
• permanent
• steady
• endless
• unending
• lasting
• eternal
• interminable
• enduring
• everlasting
• immortal
• durable
• deathless
• undying
• unvarying
• unchanging
• stable
• changeless
• indestructible
• imperishable
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discontinuous
• periodic
• intermittent
• recurrent
• periodical
• seasonal
• noncontinuous
• cyclic
• alternate
• serial
• rhythmic
• occasional
• cyclical
• rhythmical
• recurring
• sporadic
• irregular
• spasmodic
• erratic
• alternating
• unsteady
• spotty
• fitful

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

Recent Examples of continuous

The practice forms part of the BHP Operating System, an approach to continuous improvement which Henry helped design in his previous role running the group’s flagship Australian operations. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Though the vigils have been attracting continuous participation from different groups of people, there’s no way to know for sure if protests impact public opinion or the courts in charge of the center’s fate. —Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025

After over 30 seconds of continuous monkey cannonballs, the rhesus macaques' water show appears to end, and all of the monkeys who took the plunge swim to land away from Kitchen. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Uptime across more than 100 hours of continuous operation was above 99%. —PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025