PERENNIAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perennial

adjective

pə-ˈre-nē-əl

Definition of perennial next

as in enduring

having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish her perennial pessimism was really starting to annoy her coworkers

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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 Others are perennial favorites that have simply been overlooked by online-influencer culture and thus remain indelibly cool in real life. —

Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 24 Jan. 2025 The 2025 bill included stars Shania Twain, Maren Morris and Muna along with perennial favorites Brandy Clark and Lucius and the rising talents Brittney Spencer, Jensen McRae, Allison Ponthier, Tish Melton, SistaStrings, Marshgrass Mamas, Arroba Nat and the Carlile Family Band. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025 Even up against the perennial favorite George T. Stagg (a bourbon, however, not a rye), this whiskey stands out. —

Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2025 Delaying the pruning of this shrubby perennial until early or mid-March is advisable. —

Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perennial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial

Adjective

The Art Theater, 230 Main St. in Hobart is hosting a special tribute concert on the anniversary weekend of the crash reminding audiences of the impact Buddy Holly had on popular music around the globe during his short life, and underscoring Holly’s tremendous and enduring legacy.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
Within hours of taking office, Trump dared the courts, Congress and his fragmented opposition to stand in the way of what could be his most enduring legacy: a radical expansion of presidential power.

— Sam Baker, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025