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
British Columbia is making daylight saving time permanent after clocks switched over the weekend. Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026 The 2022 Sunshine Protection Act would have made daylight saving time permanent across the United States. Rosie Colosi, NBC news, 9 Mar. 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
  • And, perhaps, how the disgruntled AI agents will react to the eternal grind of the work day.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • History is more about understanding change than finding eternal verities.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • A lot has changed since Kevin Keegan — bubble perm, flappy 1970s collar, magic in his feet — was ushered to the side of the pitch to collect his first Ballon d’Or award.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Nancy Wheeler didn't miss a single perm appointment.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a long-standing (and likely apocryphal) legend that Predator screenwriters Jim and John Thomas imagining Rocky Balboa in the ring with an alien was the seed from which their immortal creature feature sprung.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The footage shows Homelander (Antony Starr), who's hellbent on reaching immortal god status, waking up his father, Soldier Boy (Ackles), from cryogenic stasis.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 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
  • Jacky Marshall, Zack Carr, Carolyn — the talent was endless.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Dahlias offer showstopping blooms in endless shapes and colors and are easy to grow once established.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is a great time for getting a new haircut or otherwise updating your style, perhaps even with something as permanent as a tattoo or piercing.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
  • There’s something about spring that makes even the most haircut-averse among us suddenly crave a change.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If China pulls this off, then the tech could allegedly offer a perpetual fountain of clean energy while potentially turning the destructive storms into manageable weather events.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Young people are facing a future as perpetual renters.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Michelle Obama took a hint from her Gen Z daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, by wearing one of the cohort's go-to hairstyles.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
  • After years of trying out different hairstyles, Suggs finally went all in on shaving it all off.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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