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 Holliday is referring to organizations such as the Brewers and Guardians, which have been perennial playoff teams in recent years despite ranking in the bottom half of the MLB in terms of payroll. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025 This has been quite a turnaround for Rosemount, a perennial power that was an uncharacteristic 1-8 last season. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 So that’s going to become a perennial, yearly event. Katie Campione, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025 Her Gothic tale has become bedrock reading for several genres, particularly science fiction, and offers perennial insights into the themes of humanity, the natural order, and the search for knowledge. Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • Art Deco, an emblem of the Roaring 1920s, remains one of the most enduring and revolutionary design movements of all time.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In 1929, on the eve of the first game held in the stadium, workers planted the hedges overnight, giving birth to one of college football’s most enduring visual trademarks.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is growing optimism that the global oil glut—exacerbated by ongoing OPEC production hikes—will peak in the first half of 2026, allowing for the industry to rebound in the back half of next year, CEOs said.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The ongoing government shutdown is the latest wrinkle, presenting risks to both the actual economy and investors’ ability to understand what’s going on due to the lack of economic data collection.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just like pure, statuesque, immortal goddess talking to us about the trenches with such grace.
    James Factora, Them., 21 Oct. 2025
  • Hilty originated the part of the glamorous, immortal Madeline in both the show’s 2024 Chicago premiere and its Broadway run, earning her second Tony nomination, this time for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The story captures the dilemma between the ephemeral and the eternal inherent in any attempt to pin down the soul.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • As many of Husain’s contemporaries moved overseas (including Souza and Raza, who relocated to the UK and France, respectively), the painter remained in India, his eternal muse.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Challenging viewers to reflect on the perpetual war-like state of our world is all well and good.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Known among his teammates for having a perpetual smile, Yurov, 21, beamed in the postgame locker room, describing the play and the euphoria of scoring his first goal on one of the biggest stages in hockey.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Oct. 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
  • Materials That Last When choosing furniture for everyday use, materials often leave the most lasting impression, not just through appearance but through performance over time.
    William Jones, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
  • What began as preparation for a role has become something more lasting.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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