permanent 1 of 2

Definition of permanentnext

permanent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective permanent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of permanent are durable, lasting, and stable. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

When is it sensible to use durable instead of permanent?

Although the words durable and permanent have much in common, durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When would lasting be a good substitute for permanent?

The words lasting and permanent can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When is stable a more appropriate choice than permanent?

The meanings of stable and permanent largely overlap; however, stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

How does the adjective permanent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of permanent are durable, lasting, and stable. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

When is it sensible to use durable instead of permanent?

Although the words durable and permanent have much in common, durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When would lasting be a good substitute for permanent?

The words lasting and permanent can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When is stable a more appropriate choice than permanent?

The meanings of stable and permanent largely overlap; however, stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

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 permanent
Adjective
That does not mean the Gulf is entering some permanent, dramatic rupture with Iran. Nawaf M. Al-Thani, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 At the center of most discussions was the possibility of eliminating the right-turn slip lane that is part of the Sloan Triangle at Prospect and Park avenues to create a permanent plaza. Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
If hotness is an effort to make the ephemeral permanent, then illness is a constant reminder of how nothing is forever. Michelle Santiago Cortés, refinery29.com, 26 June 2021 There is always a temptation to make the temporary permanent, which is why the peace government must prioritize elections. Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Affairs, 4 May 2021 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
Adjective
  • Some of the moments to treasure are not so eternal and familiar.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
  • But hope runs eternal among box office pundits, with many counting on a repeat of summer 2023 and the Barbenheimer phenomenon.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This time, my eyes slid to the fresh silver polish on her fingernails, her cascading perm thick but without any undergrowth, and those eyes darting from me to the cop, glistening as if on the verge of pouring.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 2026
  • For those wanting even more body, Destin says a modern perm can help add long-lasting texture to fine hair.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The season ends with Rachel driving away, now as this immortal witness to the ongoing curse.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The Divine Dancers duology comes to a close as immortal celestial dancer Meneka attempts to hide from her divine fate with mortal sage Kaushika, with whom seduction turned to genuine love.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The conk, the afro… and the jheri curl.
    Sonari Glinton, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
  • On the way to the conk pad, Mike runs over the f–ing show!
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • And what fame gave me, what addiction fueled was opportunity for endless consent, which led me to be a hedonist and a fool and an exploiter of women.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The grief from suicide is endless.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • People now have kids' haircuts into their mid twenties, and that’s just embarrassing for everyone.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings, interactive vendors, children’s entertainment, medical equipment demonstrations, giveaways, raffles, free haircuts and guest speakers in a family-friendly environment.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Tan said banks are now operating in an environment where cyber risks are constant and evolving, requiring a mindset of perpetual vigilance.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Gadd is terrifying, a fierce force of nature and a perpetual misadventure waiting to happen.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her hairstyle also featured an updo bun.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Clothes, hairstyles, sexuality—the way one carried oneself and interacted with others—held immense sway with the young postwar generation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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