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Synonym Chooser

How is the word perpetual different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of perpetual are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perennial. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

When is constant a more appropriate choice than perpetual?

The words constant and perpetual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When can continual be used instead of perpetual?

While the synonyms continual and perpetual are close in meaning, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perpetual?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpetual, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perpetual?

In some situations, the words incessant and perpetual are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is it sensible to use perennial instead of perpetual?

The synonyms perennial and perpetual are sometimes interchangeable, but perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

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 perpetual Companies bought perpetual licenses for boxed products, paid large upfront costs, and occasionally shelled out for updates or support. Chris Kent, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Achilles tendon ruptures to three then-Eastern Conference All-Stars have cracked open a championship window for recent perpetual also-rans like the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 One of the perpetual horticultural quests is for repeat bloomers. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025 But a military option could lead to perpetual armed conflict in the region without reliably preventing Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. Robert J. Einhorn, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perpetual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual
Adjective
  • Only 6% aim for leadership, instead focusing on continuous learning and meaningful work.
    Cynthia Pong, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Solid cabinets have a continuous direction over the edges.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As catalysts for the upgrade, the bank cited sustainable same-store sales growth potential and ongoing marketing efforts.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hope in Dave Canales, the second-year head coach whose optimism-springs-eternal approach has this team feeling connected.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Take, for instance, the eternal feud between Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, Lenovo’s continual experimentation has brought us some unique laptop releases and concepts in recent years, including a laptop with a screen that expands by rolling, a laptop with an outward folding screen, laptops with foldable screens, and laptops with dual 14-inch displays.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But also expect a continual reshaping of how knowledge, personality, and digital presence can scale—one clone at a time.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Addiction has long been one of society’s most enduring struggles.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That honest, messy middle—where ambition meets uncertainty and growth doesn’t always look graceful—has been essential in making Issa’s work so resonant and enduring.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For millions of Americans, watching the weather forecast these days feels like an endless loop of desperate doomscrolling.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is endless information from doctors and fellow parents out there about the right swaddles, sleep training methods, even room temperature and light levels.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Seth Goldstein, an analyst at research firm Morningstar who verified an ABC News estimate of the potential value of the compensation proposal, said the payment plan would help ensure Musk's continued focus on Tesla.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The organization needs donations in its fight against mange outbreaks and continued care of native wildlife species in Middle Tennessee.
    Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ne Zha’s mother is transmogrified into a magical pill at the hands of the story’s villainous mastermind, the immortal Wuliang.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Hounsou will play an immortal warrior from Africa.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perpetual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpetual. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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