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 Leaf litter makes a great mulch for perennial and vegetable gardens; the leaves return critical nutrients back to the soil. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Being a perennial plant, the deep roots of the purple loosestrife normally complicate its removal. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 This was a band that, despite 16 years apart, looked and sounded capable of taking over the stadium-rock throne that’s soon to be vacated by perennial seat fillers like the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and U2. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025 These can be used against both annual and perennial weeds. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • Two decades later, and with audience affection for The Office as enduring as ever, Daniels has once again built an all-new mockumentary-style workplace comedy around an nondescript office, this time in the form of The Paper — a new Peacock series about a Midwestern newsroom fighting for survival.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Still, the richest, most enduring pleasures here are formal ones, beginning with the exacting still-life compositions and oily, vehement primary hues of Jenkins’ 16mm lensing, which can make a painterly subject of a maritime squall or a mustard-yellow wading boot.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As catalysts for the upgrade, the bank cited sustainable same-store sales growth potential and ongoing marketing efforts.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ne Zha’s mother is transmogrified into a magical pill at the hands of the story’s villainous mastermind, the immortal Wuliang.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Hounsou will play an immortal warrior from Africa.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hope in Dave Canales, the second-year head coach whose optimism-springs-eternal approach has this team feeling connected.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Take, for instance, the eternal feud between Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This fight will likely spill into the 2028 election cycle and beyond — in other words, perpetual political trench warfare.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Jack Tramiel's company got perpetual rights to ship the software on unlimited machines—no royalties, no per-unit fees.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 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
  • Our new stadium and mixed-use district will generate lasting benefits for residents, workers, families, and fans in Arlington Heights, Cook County, and the State of Illinois.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • To create lasting value, Tumi has built a sophisticated, tiered content architecture rooted in cohesive storytelling.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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