permanent 1 of 2

permanent

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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

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
The company is also making two other benefits created during the pandemic permanent: the $240 annual entertainment credit towards services like NBC's Peacock or The New York Times, and the $300 annual credit toward an Equinox gym membership or digital fitness class subscription. Ken Sweet, Star Tribune, 1 July 2021 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
Noun
What begins with a narrow claim of emergency power is quickly normalized and made permanent. John Whitehead, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025 Both the Studio Museum in Harlem and the New Museum began as small, scrappy projects roughly half a century ago and evolved to become collecting institutions with permanent homes. Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
Adjective
  • Yet, in the seventh minute of stoppage time, the eternal Marta, now 39 years of age, slammed home a stunning equaliser to take the match into extra time.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Now that you're amped up for that John Hughes triple feature, why not boogie down with Danny Elfman and Oingo Boingo for a few minutes to this eternal earworm?
    Jordan Hoffman Updated, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Jeremy Strong may soon be getting a perm and rocking a gold chain.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 31 July 2025
  • Not just any perm mind you, but a home perm in my aunt’s kitchen.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • And, in the immortal words of the late Caledon Hockley: Not the better half.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2025
  • And while your tolerance for Chevy Chase may vary, there’s just so much immortal in this movie, with extended cameos from Bill Murray and Rodney Dangerfield dead center as to why this movie remains so lasting.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • On the way to the conk pad, Mike runs over the f–ing show!
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • That’s what the slick dude with the conk and the blue Pontiac says to Elwood, who is hitching a ride to get to college.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Investing in our public transit would be faster and less expensive than endless road construction.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Pressure to tackle a seemingly endless barrage of requests with an already full plate.
    Kristen M. Waterfield, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Women with long brown hair were advised to get shorter haircuts or wear their long locks in a ponytail.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 30 July 2025
  • Finally on hand was Lana Hamilton, a no-nonsense educator with a gray pixie haircut and glasses that slipped down the bridge of her nose.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Massie was such a perpetual thorn in the side of the GOP that House leaders didn’t bother to whip his vote anymore.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Many businesses face perpetual disruption from geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism and pandemic aftereffects.
    Jay Patel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Carrie Underwood is trading in her signature platinum blonde hairstyle for her natural color.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Likewise, her wife, de Rossi, was seen with her shorter hairstyle grown out just shy of her shoulders, creating a wavy bob.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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