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 Gentle, continuous vibrations work your muscles in just 10 minutes, helping to alleviate joint pain and back pain. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 The resistance knob on a spin bike gives you a continuous, private metric of effort. — Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 The brand used smaller-scale settings to facilitate exchange and give participants more space to interact, while a continuous series of activities allowed individual encounters to develop into relationships. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026 Gurrea’ second feature, a step-up in style, shot with a continuous visual pulse, varying in tone from scene to scene. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • Charlotte has experienced continual days this summer with dangerous heat indexes above 100.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 Sep. 2026
  • His professional achievements and personal pursuits reflect a long-standing commitment to discipline, preparation, and continual growth.
    — Matt Emma, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The continued existence of the northern white rhino, on the other hand, will be measured not in centuries, not in decades, but in years.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Sentiment was buoyed by a fall in crude oil prices, sending stock markets higher, despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.
    — Jenni Reid,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 21 Sep. 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
  • American Airlines has added nonstop flights from Miami International Airport for fans of University of Miami football, according to a company spokesperson.
    — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The carrier later pioneered nonstop service between New York and Los Angeles in the 1950s, with a Douglas DC-7.
    — Chris Dong, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The rain was incessant and the wind was playing havoc on the almost invisible race course.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t be alarmed, but George Michael fever — which is the incessant urge to listen to the music British singer-songwriter George Michael — has been spreading for the past couple of years.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed uninterrupted energy supplies and safe passage for commercial ships during a telephone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In place of the squardrop-style slope at the front of the roofline, this one is a pure, uninterrupted box, ensuring that the full amount of headroom is available from the back door to the front wall.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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