Definition of incessantnext

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 Such a static conception of the American past flew in the face of the romantic patriotism that Obama appealed to Americans with, one rooted in a history of inevitable progress rooted in incessant struggle. Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 The fact that there isn’t any adult supervision in the form of a driver has led to plenty of debaucherous behavior, from incessant smoking and adult activities to posses of teens hanging out of the windows of moving Waymos. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 July 2026 When Harry and Meghan began dating, the British tabloids went into overdrive with incessant coverage. Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Due to incessant Ukrainian drone strikes Crimea is virtually cut off from fuel. Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incessant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incessant
Adjective
  • Congress now has 90 days of continuous session to review the agreement, which would go into effect absent objection.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Adaptalux says the internal battery lasts up to eight hours of continuous use depending on brightness and recharges over USB-C, which can also keep the pod running while permanently plugged in.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In practice, continual criticism from an investor, an outpouring of negative public sentiment, a prolonged issue at home, or persistent conflict within the executive team can begin to command disproportionate mental resources.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Modern life offers a continual stream of voices competing for our attention – news, social media, opinions, obligations, fears, and endless mental commentary.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There is no continued threat to the public, according to the sheriff’s office.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In some exchanges, the robots recovered their balance after losing stability and continued playing.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 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
  • New York City is one of the best places in the world to travel solo—not in spite of its nonstop energy, but because of it.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Like many, Sehl, 53, was a devoted fan of the raptor and her mate, Shadow, who were made world-famous by a nonstop livestream of their nest.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incessant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incessant. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster