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 And Supervisor Kathleen Vincent will face perennial candidate Ryan Antczak for the District 11 seat. Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 6 Jan. 2026 But New Year’s is a perennial problem for any organization that is fitness-focused. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026 The boost of calcium helps to prevent blossom-end rot, a perennial problem in tomato gardens. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026 Precious metals, a perennial safe haven for investors in times of global turmoil, also posted sharp gains. Steve Kopack, NBC news, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • Last year, the utility sector came out of nowhere and demonstrated one of the most enduring lessons about the stock market there is — unexpected things happen all the time.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Farmhouse Aesthetics The farmhouse aesthetic is one of the most enduring trends of the past decades, spanning interiors and exteriors, bathrooms included.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • More Indiana college degree programs could be at risk amid an ongoing national battle over the future of higher education.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Danbury Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and it's not believed there is an ongoing threat.
    Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hilty originated the part of the glamorous, immortal Madeline Ashton 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, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Sure, playing Kingo, the buff immortal hero moonlighting as a Bollywood star in 2021’s Eternals — the first South Asian superhero in a Marvel movie, by the way — required a (now-viral) physical transformation.
    Kylie Gilbert, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Packing for style or comfort is the eternal travel struggle.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
  • But some believe a traveling, apocalyptic preacher convinced her that killing Noah, John, Paul, Luke and Mary was the only way to save them from eternal damnation.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Bitcoin’s role as a macro hedge—a kind of perpetual put on the dollar—becomes more intuitive as global reserves diversify.
    Georgii Verbitskii, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • That’s a kind of perpetual refrain.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 Jan. 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
  • At this time, lasting progress is more attainable through small wins and tidy follow-through.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Skip pricey upgrades like custom built-ins, whirlpool tubs, and home theaters that don’t add lasting value.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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