CONTINUOUS Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'continuous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of continuous are constant , continual , incessant , perennial , and perpetual . While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension. // football's oldest continuous rivalry

Q: In what contexts can 'constant' take the place of 'continuous'?

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

Q: When would 'continual' be a good substitute for 'continuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to continuous , continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence. // continual showers the whole weekend

Q: When could 'incessant' be used to replace 'continuous'?

While the synonyms incessant and continuous are close in meaning, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity. // annoyed by the incessant quarreling

Q: When is 'perennial' a more appropriate choice than 'continuous'?

The meanings of perennial and continuous largely overlap; however, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal. // a perennial source of controversy

Q: When might 'perpetual' be a better fit than 'continuous'?

In some situations, the words perpetual and continuous are roughly equivalent. However, perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration. // a land of perpetual snowfall

continuous

adjective

kən-ˈtin-yü-əs

Definition of continuous next

as in continual

going on and on without any interruptions a city that has been under continuous bombardment for three days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a continuous flow

a continual flow

a constant flow

a consistent flow

a perpetual flow

a steady flow

continuous monitoring

continual monitoring

constant monitoring

persistent monitoring

steady monitoring

uninterrupted monitoring

a continuous operation

an uninterrupted operation

a sustained operation

a steady operation

a nonstop operation

a constant operation

a continuous period

an uninterrupted period

a sustained period

an ongoing period

a continued period

a persistent period

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of continuous are constant, continual, incessant, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can constant take the place of continuous?

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

lived in constant pain

When would continual be a good substitute for continuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to continuous, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When could incessant be used to replace continuous?

While the synonyms incessant and continuous are close in meaning, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is perennial a more appropriate choice than continuous?

The meanings of perennial and continuous largely overlap; however, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When might perpetual be a better fit than continuous?

In some situations, the words perpetual and continuous are roughly equivalent. However, perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Running on adrenaline and continuous infusions of caffeine, its analysts and data scientists were glued to their monitors around the clock, watching the slow trickle of results from Pennsylvania that ultimately would decide the race. —

Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 In the study, one group of 22 participants worked out twice a week, with a focus on muscle strength and size, for 20 continuous weeks. —

New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2024 Situated between Lansing and Detroit, Livingston County at least partially preserves its rural beginnings, despite continuous growth. —

Sonja Krohn and Siddhi Choubey, Detroit Free Press, 1 Nov. 2024 This continuous support is particularly crucial for first-generation college students and others who may need extra guidance navigating complex university systems. —

Vinay Bhaskara, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for continuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous

Adjective

Both people and pets shed hair and dead skin cells on a continual basis.

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024
Alan Adelson, Kate Taverna An artist obsessed for decades with creating imaginative and haunting structures to honor lost friends ironically lives with the continual threat of her own eviction.

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024