as in spectrum
formal
a range or series of things that are slightly different from each other and that exist between two different possibilities
His motives for volunteering lie somewhere on the continuum between charitable and self-serving. a continuum of temperatures ranging from very cold to very hot
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Recent Examples of continuum
What’s missing is a full-day, clinically robust, age-affirming program for older adults with mental health conditions, embedded within a continuum of care.
—
Crystal Hudson, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Having your entire concept of the space-time continuum blown up will do that to a person.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Despite their historical futility – the Sabres are tied with the Vancouver Canucks as the oldest franchises to never win the Stanley Cup title and the Mammoth-Coyotes-Winnipeg Jets continuum would be right on their heels – Buffalo and Utah have been serious competitors this season.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 20 Mar. 2026
Martin has traditionally reserved his own name for projects outside the dub-dancehall continuum of the Bug, like the conceptual Sirens, a journal of childbirth as baptism by fire, and the abyssal Black, a tribute to Amy Winehouse.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for continuum
Crystal Hudson, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Having your entire concept of the space-time continuum blown up will do that to a person.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Despite their historical futility – the Sabres are tied with the Vancouver Canucks as the oldest franchises to never win the Stanley Cup title and the Mammoth-Coyotes-Winnipeg Jets continuum would be right on their heels – Buffalo and Utah have been serious competitors this season.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 20 Mar. 2026
Martin has traditionally reserved his own name for projects outside the dub-dancehall continuum of the Bug, like the conceptual Sirens, a journal of childbirth as baptism by fire, and the abyssal Black, a tribute to Amy Winehouse.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for continuum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuum
Noun
-
At the opposite end of the spectrum are roses that are highly susceptible — losing vigor, producing fewer blooms, developing buds that ball up, and in some cases defoliating entirely.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
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From sea to mountains, ingredients cover a spectrum of Okayama specialties, with creations inspired by the subtlest flavor shifts of Japan’s 72 micro-seasons (recent highlights ranged from arrowhead fish, Chinese cabbage, and foie gras to Okayama Nagi beef and turnip).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Voluntary carbon markets and community-scale investments will persist as long as corporate commitments and consumer demand hold.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
4 May 2026
-
Implementing mass timber at scale means navigating property lines and managing infrastructure boundaries between private owners.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Continuum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuum. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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