continual

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​al kən-ˈtin-yü-əl 

-yəl

1

: continuing indefinitely in time without interruption

continual fear

2

: recurring in steady usually rapid succession

a history of continual invasions

Did you know?

Since the mid-19th century, many grammarians have drawn a distinction between continual and continuous. Continual should only mean "occurring at regular intervals," they insist, whereas continuous should be used to mean "continuing without interruption." This distinction overlooks the fact that continual is the older word and was used with both meanings for centuries before continuous appeared on the scene. Today, continual is the more likely of the two to mean "recurring," but it also continues to be used, as it has been since the 14th century, with the meaning "continuing without interruption."

Synonyms

• ceaseless
• continued
• continuing
• continuous
• incessant
• nonstop
• perpetual
• running
• unbroken
• unceasing
• uninterrupted
• unremitting

Choose the Right Synonym for continual

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence.

continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

Examples of continual in a Sentence

This week we experienced days of continual sunshine.

The country has been in a continual state of war since it began fighting for its independence.

The continual interruptions by the student were annoying the teacher.

Recent Examples on the Web

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair reacted to Trump's continual overtures about Canadian statehood during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels on Wednesday. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025

The ability to feed a growing human population - in a sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion - depends on continual technological innovation and a steady stream of breakthrough ideas. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

Because of the publication's continual presence in the HIV community, POZ Community Forums continue to attract thousands of people looking for insights and advice about HIV testing, treatment, care, and prevention. —Melissa Bronstein, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Jireh Deng Throughout her daily three-mile strolls of west Altadena, the prevalence of liquor stores has been a continual eyesore for her. —Jireh Deng, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English continuel, borrowed from Anglo-French, probably from continu continuous + -el, going back to Latin -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

continual

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​al kən-ˈtin-yə(-wə)l 

1

: continuing without interruption

days of continual sunshine

2

: occurring again and again within short intervals

continual interruptions

continually

-ē

adverb