Synonyms of continue

continue

verb

kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü 

1

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state

the heavy snow continued throughout the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remain
• persist
• last
• stay
• endure
• survive
• abide
• linger
• hold on
• run on
• prevail
• bide
• keep up
• perdure
• hold up
• stick around
• tarry
• carry through

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stop
• cease
• die
• pass
• conclude
• end
• discontinue
• finish
• terminate
• close
• quit
• expire
• wind up
• desist
• die (down)
• lapse
• subside
• leave off
• moderate
• abate
• wane
• let up
• ebb

2

as in to resume

to begin again or return to after an interruption

we'll continue this discussion after we've eaten

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resume
• reopen
• restart
• renew
• proceed (with)
• revive
• pick up
• resuscitate
• recrudesce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conclude
• finish
• complete
• end
• consummate
• stop
• cease
• can
• stay
• finalize
• discontinue
• check
• terminate
• cut
• quit
• halt
• desist
• break
• drop
• shut off
• scuttle
• leave off
• knock off
• belay

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb continue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of continue are abide, endure, last, and persist. While all these words mean "to exist over a period of time or indefinitely," continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

When might abide be a better fit than continue?

While the synonyms abide and continue are close in meaning, abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

When could endure be used to replace continue?

Although the words endure and continue have much in common, endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

When is it sensible to use last instead of continue?

The words last and continue can be used in similar contexts, but last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

In what contexts can persist take the place of continue?

The synonyms persist and continue are sometimes interchangeable, but persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of continue

The Richemont brands will continue to operate separately, and the fragrance licenses, which are mainly held by Interparfums SA, remain in place. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

Bruno Mars continues to rewrite streaming records, becoming the first artist to hit 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025

Homendy said the agency has completed its work at the scene of the crash and is continuing its analysis of the physical evidence. —Pete Muntean, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025

Legislative Democrats continue to criticize Lee's proposal for its lack of accountability measures, among other aspects. —Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025