Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perennial are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When could constant be used to replace perennial?

While in some cases nearly identical to perennial, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

Where would continual be a reasonable alternative to perennial?

Although the words continual and perennial have much in common, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perennial?

The words continuous and perennial can be used in similar contexts, but continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perennial?

In some situations, the words incessant and perennial are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can perpetual be used instead of perennial?

The words perpetual and perennial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 perennial Facing two perennial combatants in the UEFA Champions League’s final stages and the reigning Copa Libertadores winner is a tall task for any fourth team in the field. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 20 June 2025 But red Fanta is the most perennial of these offerings. Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Listen to this article The once perennial Minnesota high school baseball power reclaimed its throne Saturday at Target Field, as Cretin-Derham Hall edged Minnetonka 3-2 in the Class 4A title game for the program’s first title since 2007 – its last state tournament appearance until this spring. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025 The gin has been a perennial medalist in international spirit competitions and is widely recognized as one of Argentina’s best craft gins. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • While superior technology and breakthrough innovations have shaped pivotal moments in history, victory has often relied on something more enduring: the ability to mobilize people, platforms, capital and ideas into a cohesive, mission-ready force.
    Toni Townes-Whitley, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The award recognizes a long-time commitment of service to aquaculture that is deemed highly significant and enduring.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pakistani students walk across the Pakistan-Iran border after returning from Iran in Taftan, in Balochistan province, on June 19, 2025, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • And, in severe cases, the brain’s physical architecture begins to shift in response to the ongoing sense of danger.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • But nothing has ever come close to the tension that floods our veins at the sound of that immortal two-note ostinato, the signature of John Williams’ suspenseful score.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • Now, more than ever before, the immortal words of the All-Star player Kevin Garnett are true: Anything is possible!
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Here, peaks of eternal light and deep craters containing water ice promise the best mining, science and research opportunities.
    Michelle L.D. Hanlon, Space.com, 20 June 2025
  • Emeralds, for one, were thought to bestow wisdom, healing, and eternal life onto the wearer, Christie’s says.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Cars honking in support were a perpetual backdrop to the protest as the hot afternoon waned.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Darkness consumed me, but my face was masked with perpetual smiles.
    Lizzie Maxwell, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 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
  • After days of escalating airstrikes between Israel and Iran that killed hundreds in Iran and dozens in Israel—and the United States’ decision to involve itself—one of the most lasting, and difficult to quantify, losses may be the fragile framework of international nuclear cooperation.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 25 June 2025
  • Their public words of teacher praise were clearly just for show, as their conduct has been revealed to do real and lasting harm to the distinct in the name of nothing more than their own personal power and egos.
    Jay Steiger, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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