Definition of perennialnext

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 Chelsea have a reputation as winners, Arsenal as a perennial project. James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 In the spirit of celebrating Easter 2026, Hershey's is also bringing back a perennial seasonal shape favorites, Reese's Peanut Butter Mini Eggs Unwrapped, as well as Reese's Seasonal Shapes Assortment. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 And Miami’s offense lost perennial All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill a month into the season. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 In their petition to the Supreme Court, the lawmakers said regulators failed to properly audit the fuel costs from Winter Storm Uri, echoing a perennial complaint by former Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony. Paul Monies, Oklahoma Watch, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • The idea that managers must be loud, constantly visible, or the most vocal person in the room is one of the most enduring workplace myths.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Just off the gondola entrance sits Club Moritzino, one of the Dolomites’ most enduring mountain huts and a buzzing lunch and apres-ski destination.
    Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The operation reflects ongoing Israeli military incursions in Lebanon since a ceasefire ended the 14-month Hezbollah-Israel conflict last year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That is true again today, with the ongoing rise of niche and indie beauty labels, as well as emerging geographic markets where domestic players are growing and are becoming competitors on the world stage.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other sideline, the New England Patriots are somehow back here again, trying to rekindle a dynasty that once felt immortal under Tom Brady.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Dunsmore Jazz Room Swinging Motown celebrates Black History Month by performing songs from the immortal Motown Records that highlight the African American experience.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Just have a good time and do what you’re supposed to do, uniting the world around something that is eternal.
    Ryan Gaydos , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The eternal Margarita, or the hip Negroni, or the trendy Carajillo?
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Since Youngblood had told him the cartel had taken out a contract on his family, Perardi had lived in a perpetual state of emergency.
    Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
  • One pilot added that while refueling issues have occurred before, an official announcement of this scale is extraordinary even for an island accustomed to perpetual crisis.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Feb. 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
  • Sincerity earns lasting interest.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Those types of interactions have a lasting effect not only on the children but also on the staff at these organizations, Hofmann said.
    Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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