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 The change of scenery from a Chicago team deep in the rebuilding stage to a perennial contender in Florida has paid dividends. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 Here are our favorite annual and perennial flowers that thrive in partial shade. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 June 2025 This ancient destination is one of those perennial favorites that, pardon the cliché, really has it all. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025 But also, as the White House vows to appeal, there's the perennial other thought: Is this simply the latest curve on the tariff rollercoaster? Alina Selyukh, NPR, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • Once again, Brian and The Beach Boys had created one of the era’s most enduring and loved pieces of music.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025
  • Naturally, the Australian will also have an enduring emotional connection with a fanbase starved for silverware and a group of players new to winning trophies.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Like other award ceremonies, BET has also endured its share of bumps and bruises in the ongoing tug of war between captivating audiences in a 24/7 media world and lower ratings.
    Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 9 June 2025
  • On Saturday, Stewart canceled his next six performances due to an ongoing battle with the flu.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Diaz is accompanied by an immortal knight, a resourceful swashbuckler, an elderly vampire, a horny werewolf and an elf who can turn invisible (using a power that reminded me of Doli from The Prydain Chronicles).
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Sacchi had been hired to implement his countercultural style to Italy — the high-pressing, on-the-front-foot, winning-isn’t-enough-on-its-own mentality of his era-defining and immortal Milan side.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the end, his beautiful story solutions are formulaic fixes laid over those details, meant to do little more than the eternal work of cajoling the audience into rooting for the leading players.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • May his spirit rest in eternal peace, and may all who loved him find comfort in that love and the memories they were blessed to have shared.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Critics who believed Toyota would remain a perpetual EV laggard are about to be proven wrong.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The human body, mind, and spirit were not designed to be under perpetual stress.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 6 June 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
  • Join over 80,000 supporters nationwide in standing up for investigative journalism that informs, inspires, and creates lasting impact.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 13 June 2025
  • Comments How to make a lasting first impression with Kate Hudson: show up flustered and sweaty.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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