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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of continuous Industry experts suggest that continuous evaluation and upgrading of these systems are essential to avoiding future disruptions. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Feb. 2025 His rise from Springfield’s high school courts to NBA leadership demonstrates the power of patience, continuous learning, and authentic leadership. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 1 Feb. 2025 The immigration detention system has been a continuous target of criticism from immigrant advocates and government watchdogs over conditions including lack of access to attorneys and substandard medical care as well as issues of cost and effectiveness. —

Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025 Throughout his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump faced continuous criticism for his frequent golf trips. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for continuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous

Adjective

Moving it into Gaza has required continual, vexing diplomacy by the water authority.

— Claudine Ebeid, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025
The surcharge comes as Americans grapple with a challenging economic landscape and continual cost of living crisis.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025