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
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
Noun
The Irish government bought the hotel in September for around $150 million with the aim of turning it into a permanent migrant facility despite several protests by locals. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 While quasi-moons are a permanent celestial neighbor, mini-moons are simply temporary visitors, according to the Planetary Society. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
Adjective
  • The story captures the dilemma between the ephemeral and the eternal inherent in any attempt to pin down the soul.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • As many of Husain’s contemporaries moved overseas (including Souza and Raza, who relocated to the UK and France, respectively), the painter remained in India, his eternal muse.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Visitors who might have expected a history of perms and dyes instead discovered 3,000 intricate works of art, built up over generations.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In recent years, pop culture has brought perm hairstyles back to the conversation via those wanting a perm for specific trendy reasons.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hilty originated the part of the glamorous, immortal Madeline in both the show’s 2024 Chicago premiere and its Broadway run, earning her second Tony nomination, this time for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t expect a by-the-letter adaptation of Mary Shelley’s immortal story, however.
    Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 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
  • This allows kids to create several seating configurations along with endless imaginative play scenarios.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Bell, who has been married to actor and podcast host Dax Shepard since 2013, thinks the potential storylines for Season 3 are endless.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Many experts are calling for another quarter-point haircut.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • On-site supportive services, including free haircuts and a veterinarian who can work with emotional support animals, will be overseen by the nonprofit Alpha Project.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Challenging viewers to reflect on the perpetual war-like state of our world is all well and good.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Known among his teammates for having a perpetual smile, Yurov, 21, beamed in the postgame locker room, describing the play and the euphoria of scoring his first goal on one of the biggest stages in hockey.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • A number of other guests joined in for Kardashian's party, including her mom Kris Jenner — who wore an all-black satin suit look and tight bob hairstyle — Kate Moss, FKA Twigs, John Galliano, art collector Daphne Guinness and more.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The shifting of hair hairstyles.
    Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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