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 Ray-Ban aviators: $195 (Ray-Ban) Ray-Ban continues to dominate with its classic aviator style, which remains a perennial favorite for both men and women. Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025 The Brewers, also covered last week in this space, have done more with less financial might than most MLB clubs, remaining perennial contenders despite the loss of the likes of Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames and Devin Williams to trades and free agency. Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 This creeping groundcover thrives in dappled shade and is a good choice for the front of a perennial border or growing between trees and shrubs in a woodland garden. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 The Brewers, also covered last week in this space, have done more with less financial might than most MLB clubs, remaining perennial contenders despite the loss of the likes of Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames and Devin Williams to trades and free agency. Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • One of Mac's costars, the late A.J. Johnson, remembered his enduring sense of humor fondly.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Archidamus’s next suggestion—form alliances to constrain the enemy’s options—has been similarly enduring.
    A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His first significant trip outside Rome as pontiff was to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, a key site in Europe's ongoing migration crisis.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The administration says this approach is part of its ongoing effort to curb the size of the federal workforce and focus on private-sector job growth.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where the immortal pumps, kitten heels, and even boho wooden platforms come into play.
    Renata Joffre, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Much later, in perhaps the movie’s most immortal scene, Darcy helps Elizabeth into a carriage by holding her ungloved hand.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s not designed to disrupt trends but remain a ‘classic’ outside of them with some eternal rock ‘n’ roll edge.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The eternal language of euphemism—swords and lightning—had begun its work, displacing the reality of bullets breaking bodies.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The fact that there are a bunch of other female characters dealing with other kinds of conflicts helps, but making Bix a perpetual victim, at least to this point in the series, is a disservice to her.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The latter is principally tied to a life in perpetual, untethered motion … like a pirate!
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 22 Apr. 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
  • Pope Francis only visited the United States once, but his six-day trip made a deep and lasting impression.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The key to a lasting turn isn’t just a face-ripper or two.
    MoneyShow, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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