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

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a continuous flow

a continual flow

a constant flow

a consistent flow

a perpetual flow

a steady flow

continuous monitoring

continual monitoring

constant monitoring

persistent monitoring

steady monitoring

uninterrupted monitoring

a continuous operation

an uninterrupted operation

a sustained operation

a steady operation

a nonstop operation

a constant operation

a continuous period

an uninterrupted period

a sustained period

an ongoing period

a continued period

a persistent period

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

This charming coastal town is home to the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the country—and this year, Bristol is marking its 240th year doing it big on the Fourth of July. —Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025

Those plants were also pumping out continuous plumes of toxic vapors, releasing lead and arsenic into the environment. —Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025

Honda has agreed to supply the rover with a renewable energy system for continuous production of oxygen, hydrogen, and electricity from sunlight and water. —ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025

The program emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and thoughtful decision-making. —William Arruda, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025