Synonym Chooser

How is the word incessant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of incessant are constant, continual, continuous, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can constant be used instead of incessant?

In some situations, the words constant and incessant are roughly equivalent. However, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When could continual be used to replace incessant?

The words continual and incessant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When is it sensible to use continuous instead of incessant?

Although the words continuous and incessant have much in common, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

Where would perennial be a reasonable alternative to incessant?

While the synonyms perennial and incessant are close in meaning, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When would perpetual be a good substitute for incessant?

The words perpetual and incessant can be used in similar contexts, but 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 incessant There was a soothing quality to the incessant repetition, which had previously been a source of irritation and boredom. Geoff Dyer, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 Not acknowledging something breeds incessant speculation, while acknowledging it invites opinion after opinion. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025 In the air, those pings can interfere with cockpit radios, creating an incessant buzzing sound in pilots’ headsets—like a mosquito in your ear. Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025 Shoulder pads are in for fall 2025 and so are other details that read unabashedly, authentically bold instead of being chained to the incessant trend cycle. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incessant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incessant
Adjective
  • The same passive tracking technology is also being tested in Alzheimer’s, ADHD, and depression, conditions that similarly benefit from continuous, context-aware insight.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Companies that adopt Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and predictive maintenance strategies based on continuous equipment condition monitoring can gain a competitive edge.
    Illia Smoliienko, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The biggest opponent the Flanagan boys’ track team faced in the Class 4A state track and field meet on Saturday was continual weather delays.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
  • The worsening energy shortage threatens millions of residents with continual rate hikes and sporadic power outages — not to mention dashing the Northwest’s hopes of drastically reducing its contribution to climate change.
    Tony Schick, ProPublica, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, the continued faith of those players will be of paramount importance.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • Amid escalating conflict, accusations of continued strikes, and grave concerns that the two countries may engage in a full-out war, India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate cease-fire after U.S.-led talks.
    Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 10 May 2025
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
  • Breeze Airways will begin offering the nonstop service to Pensacola on Sept. 4 with flights planned two times weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, the release states.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 7 May 2025
  • After two years of nonstop organizing, Baum had triumphed.
    Amy Brecount White, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incessant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incessant. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incessant

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