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

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
But there are no plans to open permanent stores at this time. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 11 May 2026 Darcy wondered whether his hands understood the world independently of the rest of him, artful navigators in a permanent dusk. Literary Hub, 11 May 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
  • She’s raised several generations of vocalists through her eternal art.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 May 2026
  • Mourners also held a crowning ceremony, where tiaras and crowns were placed atop the bodies to signify eternal life.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 May 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
  • Heracles discovered the Hydra's den in the Lernaean Swamps with the aid of the goddess Athena and was able to break or sever its many necks — while using fire to prevent them from growing back — until only a single immortal head remained.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
  • Long before fashion faceoffs were a thing, Donatella gave 1999 viewers a preview of the dress Jennifer Lopez would make immortal at the Grammys the next year.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 2 May 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
  • Social media users describe hobby-maxxing as a deliberate response to screen fatigue, framing classes, clubs and creative routines as the antidote to endless feeds.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
  • The endless options, styles and features can make choosing a quality carry-on bag near impossible.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • That means even giving up haircuts for a while.
    Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • The mullet was the prevalent haircut.
    Jennifer Acker, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The mystery of what living in a perpetual state of kayfabe must feel like is much of what compels me to keep up with the family’s content.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
  • In this world of perpetual upheaval, both political and in terms of the film industry, what should the role of the Cannes Festival be today?
    Norine Raja, Vanity Fair, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Burtka sported a shaggy hairstyle and a black coat, adding a red tie.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, Haddish modeled a straight bob hairstyle and various accessories like bracelets and hoop earrings.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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