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
  • Our role at Wove was to translate that level of thoughtfulness and emotion into a timeless design that tells their story in a way that feels both deeply personal and enduring.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • And this time, the pain was more intense and more enduring.
    Grace Perry, Outside, 1 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
  • 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
  • Mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey leaves her mark on the immortal song cycle under the auspices of Art Song Chicago (formerly the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago).
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In response to the lawsuit, eternal law student Kardashian filed her own anti-SLAPP motion — a motion to protect free speech against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation — in an effort to dismiss the lawsuit.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller seem like birds of an eternal feather, having played together frequently over the decades, but there is a first time for everything.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Unexpected decisions like this one, both on the screen and off of it, have cemented her as a sartorial savant worthy of perpetual influence.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Tomlin is only 53 but is 19 years in, and his job status is a perpetual topic of conversation.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 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
  • That adds up to lasting and positive changes in your health, says Zumpano.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But our post featuring a turnaround in Estee Lauder (EL) was even more opportunistic and memorable in that that stock staged a lasting bullish reversal following a strong counter-trend setup in an environment characterized by persistent weakness in the broader consumer staples sector.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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