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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 Yet in a country that needs renewal rather than retrenchment, this kind of politics tends to generate perpetual crises—which have, in turn, caused the party to make a series of shambolic climbdowns that have eroded its credibility. Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 2025 The relationship puts me in a perpetual state of fight-or-flight. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 July 2025 Broadcom stopped selling VMware perpetual licenses in November 2023 in favor of pushing a small number of VMware SKUs that feature multiple VMware offerings. ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025 Following its completion of the Bitstamp acquisition, EU users will soon gain access to perpetual futures with up to 3x leverage—a tool typically favored by advanced traders. Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perpetual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual
Adjective
  • Aside from the Yukon 1000, it’s considered the longest kayak and canoe marathon in the world, in which paddlers must travel along the Missouri River for four continuous days.
    Ramal Nasim Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • However, the evolving landscape poses new challenges that demand continuous adaptation.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • And the ongoing chaotic tariff environment continues to exacerbate persistent supply chain instability.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • See a healthcare provider if puffiness is ongoing, bothersome, or comes with other symptoms.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Traversing solemnly sentimental piano, Push and Malice trade icy menace for eternal love in a delicate letter to their dead parents.
    Peter A. Berry, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • In refreshing contrast, David Corenswet's Supes is the eternal optimist; an earnest Kansas farm boy who insists on seeing the best in humanity.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout all conversations, there needs to be a continual and jarring reminder that the AI is just a machine.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • As inflation climbs, continual setbacks to DEI-advancement and the crumbling employment landscape, Blount’s skepticism is unsurprising.
    Jasmine Browley, Essence, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Purpose That Carries Forward The most enduring purpose is not one that is declared.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Letterman’s 22-year tenure yielded some of late-night TV’s most enduring musical moments.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the novel progresses, Ruth often stops existing on the page, overtaken by her endless loops of fixation on the thoughts and feelings of others.
    Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 22 July 2025
  • The options are endless, and TikTok creators are embracing everything from herbal infusions to edible flowers.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Israel launched a new ground and air offensive in central Gaza on Monday, pushing into Deir Al Balah with tanks and continued airstrikes following heavy bombardments overnight.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 21 July 2025
  • Follow Andy for continued coverage of the newest fads in the ultra-premium whiskey market, how tariffs would affect prices for bottle importers and why Scotland could soon be running out of peat.
    Andy Vasoyan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Not because of any moral presumptions about the persistent script’s immortal sole, but for economy expedience when constructing distributed autonomous organisations (DAOs).
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Where to watch: Netflix 'The Old Guard 2' Based on the comic-book series, this action sequel reunites Andy (Charlize Theron) with her crew of immortal warriors.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perpetual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpetual. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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