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 In California, for instance, the Central Valley seat held by Republican David Valadao — a perennial Democratic target — remains highly competitive. Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 In ornamental beds, install cardboard rings under the mulch around perennial or annual plants to stop weeds from intruding. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026 The second is the size of the gap between missing the playoffs and becoming a perennial Stanley Cup contender with multiple playoff runs on its resume. Murat Ates, New York Times, 17 June 2026 As the takeovers have once again risen to the top of the city’s ongoing public safety discussion, Mayor Brandon Johnson has responded with perennial opportunities like summertime job opportunities for youth and newer additions like free membership to city YMCAs for people ages 12 to 18. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • The most enduring companies will resist it, using these capabilities to deepen trust and strengthen the relationships on which lasting economic value depends.
    Ravi Dhar, Fortune, 23 June 2026
  • Anchor your thinking to a structural shift or enduring problem.
    Nick Leighton, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Amid the ongoing domestic assault investigation, Mortensen filed for a protective order against Paul on March 19, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lobo As the cigar-smoking, alien, bounty hunter who teams up with Supergirl, Lobo possesses immense strength and is essentially immortal, having lived for hundreds of years.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • The closest the visually drab movie comes to excitement is the introduction of an amusing if underused Jason Momoa as Lobo, an immortal bounty hunter who looks like a heavy-metal god (or maybe a lost member of Kiss), chomping on a fat cigar and roaring around on his flying motorcycle.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • During the years living under the Islamic Republic’s repressive rule, music—which was at the forefront of my family’s life—was what kept my spirit lifted, my hope eternal, and my faith alive.
    Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • But there’s a necessary balancing act between eyeing the future and embracing the past, which makes said future possible — and that’s where a place like this comes in, as a counterweight to the eternal pursuit of what’s next.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • This sophisticated system prevents metabolically expensive and functionally counterproductive perpetual growth, ensuring hair serves specific protective and insulating roles.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Marjane depicts our terrifying teachers, the violent morality police and our collective and perpetual fear that we might be caught, hurt, arrested, killed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 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
  • Still, Steve left a lasting legacy in Holden's life, beyond simply the scholarship.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • Moreover, the most lasting benefits typically occur when the technique is used as part of a comprehensive CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) program rather than as a standalone strategy.
    Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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