continually

adverb

con·​tin·​u·​al·​ly kən-ˈtin-yü-ə-lē 

-yə-lē

: in a continual manner : without stopping or interruption

a security system that runs continually

We had endured a series of dark, gloomy, winter days, during which the sun had been continually hidden behind dense, rain clouds.

—George Thatcher

… I was too thoroughly swept away by this richly imagined and continually surprising novel to be concerned with cute comparisons.

—Edan Lepucki

They bickered continually, ignoring me as I worked around them.

—Paula Fox

: in a constantly repeated manner : over and over

being interrupted continually

She would write. I would read and edit, and sometimes shift the wordings, or change phrases or delete things. We would continually refine what was written.

—Herbie Hancock

Synonyms

• again and again
• constantly
• frequently
• hourly
• much
• oft
• often
• oftentimes
• ofttimes
• over and over
• repeatedly

Examples of continually in a Sentence

grew up in a time when children were continually being told to mind their manners

the computer program continually updates the file with new information

Recent Examples on the Web

The research comes at a time where data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is showing the cost of living to be continually outpacing earnings, leaving many Americans struggling to make ends meet. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025

Michels’s priorities as a council member are economic development, infrastructure improvements, the maintenance and safety of parks, and continually improving his ability to serve the community. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025

However, a European final continually has eluded Little during her two spells at Arsenal. —Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Its vitality is dependent on brands’ ability to continually balance practical utility with emotional value. —Footwear News, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contynuely, from continuel continual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above