Synonyms of perennial

perennial

adjective

pə-ˈre-nē-əl 

as in enduring

having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish

her perennial pessimism was really starting to annoy her coworkers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enduring
• ongoing
• immortal
• eternal
• perpetual
• continuing
• lasting
• abiding
• timeless
• everlasting
• ageless
• endless
• constant
• undying
• permanent
• imperishable
• ceaseless
• dateless
• unchanging
• changeless
• stationary
• unvarying
• stable
• steady

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obsolete
• archaic
• antiquated
• outmoded
• outdated
• outworn
• out-of-date
• dated
• passé

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

Recent Examples of perennial

Trim both declining flowers and foliage from perennial beds. 72. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025

Plant Low-Growing Flowers in Ornamental Beds Although companion planting is most commonly used in vegetable gardens, companion plants also work in between perennial or annual flowers to keep weeds in check. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025

Revising or completely eliminating the STAAR test, which is required in grades three through 12, is a perennial conversation among Texas leaders, however lawmakers have failed to agree on exactly what to replace it with. —Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke are up there with Martin Scorsese and De Niro, even Alfred Hitchcock and James Stewart, as one of cinema’s iconic perennial pairings. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 29 July 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!