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 The former tennis player also had a competitive streak and an incessant need to perfect her game that survives in comedy. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025 The law—or, more accurately, courts' and radical leftists' interpretation of the law—has resulted in incessant delays for important infrastructure projects, which get bogged down in never-ending red tape. Mike Dunleavy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 In an era of incessant image production and reproduction, how does cultural relevance emerge? Ana María Caballero, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The incessant drumline from CFB25 has been replaced by bands playing real songs and fight songs, making daily returns to the game much more enjoyable. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for incessant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incessant
Adjective
  • For a continuous harvest to last through the season, plant more spinach every one to two weeks.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Nine of the 11 players in Lake Mary’s continuous lineup either scored a run or had a run batted in on Tuesday.
    Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • No Other Land tells the story of the struggle of Palestinian villagers against violence by Israeli settlers in this area, and the continual encroachment by settlers of their land.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025
  • And that’s not even taking into consideration the continual jerking around of Busy Philipps.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The project likely sells fairly well at the moment, especially for a decades-old title, but streaming activity is largely to thank for its continued success on the U.K. rankings.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Though scaled back from the couple’s original $100 million agreement, the new partnership reflects Netflix’s continued confidence in Markle's and Prince Harry’s storytelling.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 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
  • Add to that nonstop festivals, an emerging restaurant and bar scene, a wonderfully welcoming community, and plenty of ways to pass the time, no matter your interests.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
  • During my visit, evenings brought a nonstop stream of luxury cars pulling up into the porte-cochère for reservations.
    Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on incessant

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