eternal 1 of 2

adjective

i-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce eternal (audio)
Definition of eternalnext
1
as in immortal
having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish a charming fable that presents some eternal truths in a fresh way

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in endless
lasting forever the quest for some magic potion that promises eternal youth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Eternal

2 of 2

noun

as in Lord
the being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe spent much time pondering the nature of the Eternal

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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 eternal
Adjective
During the years living under the Islamic Republic’s repressive rule, music—which was at the forefront of my family’s life—was what kept my spirit lifted, my hope eternal, and my faith alive. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 29 June 2026 Take social media, which locks us in an eternal doomscrolling present. — Arianna Huffington, Time, 29 June 2026
Noun
These ancient seas and islands offer some reassuring glimpse of the eternal. — Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2022 But hope springs eternal, maybe more so in baseball than anywhere else. — John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for eternal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eternal
  1. immortal
  2. endless
  3. enduring
  4. permanent
  5. ongoing
  6. continuing
  7. perpetual
  8. lasting
Adjective
  • The immortal being who’d called himself a god just moments prior regresses into his stuttering, childhood self.
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • Not all foods endure—ortolan, aspic, candy cigarettes—but the pickle may be as close to immortal as a snack can get.
    — Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Definition of immortal
Adjective
  • There are endless hobbies and volunteer opportunities to take up instead.
    — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 13 July 2026
  • The original was followed by seven sequels as well as a reboot in 2010, not to mention a TV series, comics, and endless merchandise.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • Blazers, button-ups, chinos, and deck shoes have all become enduring elements of women’s wardrobes.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • Heat and humidity couldn’t take down the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race and its 45,000-plus runners, one of Atlanta’s most enduring traditions.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of enduring
Adjective
  • Margo and Ashlyn could be seen on screen with smiles to match Crow’s permanent one, singing along.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made permanent the suspension of the federal deduction for most unreimbursed employee business expenses.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of permanent
Adjective
  • The series unfolds against Japan’s ongoing debate over beauty standards – a culture growing more open to diverse appearances even as its cosmetic surgery sector remains one of its fastest-growing industries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • While the union has raised concerns about the process, El Dorado Hills General Manager Stephanie McGann Jantzen said the district cannot discuss ongoing human resources negotiations.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of ongoing
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
Definition of continuing
Adjective
  • Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity predicts that a rotating mass like the Earth pulls the fabric of space and time around with it in a perpetual swirl.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
  • As a result, the harmonies and chords are in a state of perpetual change, moving together more like clouds of starlings or minnows than a single frog hopping from stone to stone.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of perpetual
Adjective
  • Roughly 50 hours to a casual friend, 90 hours to a real one, 200-plus hours to build something lasting.
    — Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Hard-liners want to ensure lasting control over the waterway, which is a globally important conduit for fuel shipments and has become a critical lever in confronting the West.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of lasting

Phrases Containing eternal

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Cite this Entry

“Eternal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eternal. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on eternal

Nglish: Translation of eternal for Spanish Speakers

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