Synonyms of continuous

continuous

adjective

kən-ˈtin-yü-əs 

as in continual

going on and on without any interruptions

a city that has been under continuous bombardment for three days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• continual
• continued
• continuing
• nonstop
• incessant
• uninterrupted
• constant
• unbroken
• unceasing
• perpetual
• unremitting
• ceaseless
• running
• persistent
• permanent
• steady
• endless
• unending
• lasting
• eternal
• interminable
• enduring
• everlasting
• immortal
• durable
• deathless
• undying
• unvarying
• unchanging
• stable
• changeless
• indestructible
• imperishable
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discontinuous
• periodic
• intermittent
• recurrent
• periodical
• seasonal
• noncontinuous
• cyclic
• alternate
• serial
• rhythmic
• occasional
• cyclical
• rhythmical
• recurring
• sporadic
• irregular
• spasmodic
• erratic
• alternating
• unsteady
• spotty
• fitful

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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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of continuous

The door leads to an actual hallway that offered the camera operators the ability to shoot continuous takes. —Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025

The majority of South Florida has experienced continuous months of drought conditions — from moderate, to severe, and recently, extreme in certain areas of Palm Beach and Broward counties according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. —Ryan Rossi, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025

One small study of 42 marathoners found that the run-walkers and continuous runners had experienced similar stress on their cardiovascular systems, when measured at the finish line of a marathon, but the run-walkers reported less muscle pain and fatigue after the race. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025

The United States has, for 70 years, been fighting a continuous aerial war against the New World screwworm, a parasite that eats animals alive: cow, pig, deer, dog, even human. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 27 May 2025