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
But Congress narrowed Medicare eligibility to citizens, lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian nationals, and people covered under the Compacts of Free Association, agreements between the United States and Pacific island nations. Vanessa G. Sánchez, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 On Sunday, the American Bar Association's Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project published a social media video showing the girl, whose face was blurred, being reunified with her father, a legal permanent resident living in Chicago. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 6 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
  • The eternal Margarita, or the hip Negroni, or the trendy Carajillo?
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
  • It's been 80 years since Adolf Hitler shot himself in his bunker, yet our fascination with the Nazi era seems eternal.
    John Powers, NPR, 2 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
  • Princess Kate, meanwhile, has a seemingly endless supply of chic coat dresses.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
  • For studios, the chase for filming subsidies is endless.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • So far, he's picked up and dropped off about ten people, taking them to anything from doctor's appointments to haircuts.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • This gives me an opportunity to get a haircut and clean it up.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Aftermath and flashback are braided together, too, as if in perpetual PTSD.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
  • History has shown, time and again, that leaders who accumulate unchecked power, surround themselves with loyalists, and normalize perpetual war often turn those powers inward.
    John Whitehead, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless of hair type and length, texture is key to achieving the effortless, bohemian looks that transform a hairstyle into a festival fashion accessory.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Refresh your hairstyle with balayage that's perfect on brown hair or any other dark shade.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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