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 The Los Angeles Dodgers recently made an unprecedented move with perennial All-Star catcher Will Smith. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 The role of perennial Emmy contender was largely unfamiliar to Lawrence until the massive success of Ted Lasso. Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 May 2026 Don't leave any root behind, or else perennial weeds will grow back. David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 16 May 2026 Another favorite perennial salvia is pineapple sage (Salvia elegans). Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and laid siege to Mariupol, the building became an enduring emblem of the city’s resistance.
    James Verini, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026
  • But the nation’s everyday drug is also the culprit behind its most enduring and overlooked drug crisis.
    Lev Facher, STAT, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • During a news conference Thursday, members of the group said the early morning operation was part of an ongoing campaign of harassment, including members being followed home and prank calls on their hotline.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • Appearing on America's Newsroom, Crean Lutheran High School girls’ track and field athlete Olivia Viola addressed CIF's ongoing neglect of female athletes' calls to oust boys from competition, including AB Hernandez.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • The film’s central figure is the world’s only immortal man, drawn into a romance with a Japanese scholar whose life’s work centers on ancient texts about dying.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Heracles discovered the Hydra's den in the Lernaean Swamps with the aid of the goddess Athena and was able to break or sever its many necks — while using fire to prevent them from growing back — until only a single immortal head remained.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rescuing utopian idyll from dystopian reality, Koreeda determines that humanity is too fragile to forfeit its defining qualities to a mechanical species; that our only viable function in an artificial tomorrow is as the eternal caretakers of memory and imagination.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
  • Vegas will remain formidable because of its eternal win-now mandate.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The mystery of what living in a perpetual state of kayfabe must feel like is much of what compels me to keep up with the family’s content.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
  • In this world of perpetual upheaval, both political and in terms of the film industry, what should the role of the Cannes Festival be today?
    Norine Raja, Vanity Fair, 11 May 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
  • By putting phones aside, moments are more meaningful, and spontaneous conversations can blossom into lasting friendships.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
  • Her approach reflects a broader effort to build care models that can support lasting access, equity, and accountability.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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