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 Every participant must maintain a continuous speed of three miles per hour while walking along a set path. Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 The decline of people moving this decade has been part of a continuous slide as home prices have skyrocketed in some metros and interest rates have gone up. Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 The new legislation extends the state's cap-and-invest program from its previous 2030 expiration to 2045, while also establishing a continuous appropriation of $1 billion per year to the California High-Speed Rail Authority through 2045. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 But when visibility becomes continuous—not just a quarterly audit—risk shrinks dramatically. Asaf Kochan, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
Adjective
  • There is a continual civil war being waged against conservative voters and leaders.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Performance measures for this provision include soliciting continual feedback on the value of chamber programs through an annual survey of chamber members, with the results provided to all chamber stakeholders and city officials.
    Jim Drummond, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Noteworthy The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) released the results of its 2025 National Management of an Accounting Practice Survey showing that firms across the country are reporting strong revenue growth and continued increases in staff compensation at all levels.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Amid continued excitement over the engagement of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift, a local farm is keeping love and football at the forefront of fall fun.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Officials said overnight enforcement will focus on common and continuing offenses such as commercial vehicles parked in residential areas and permit violations.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • For Coon, the downtime was especially welcome after years of nonstop work.
    Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As the journey continues, each competitor must keep walking faster than three miles per hour nonstop or risk being killed.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The incessant pressure also means that too often work is not fun.
    Janine MacLachlan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Around the globe, social and political injustices, the reappealing of human rights, ongoing genocide, and climate disasters have remained a constant and incessant onslaught.
    Katherine Singh, Refinery29, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Set on 400 acres and more than two miles of uninterrupted beach frontage, the property is designed to offer seclusion and personalized service, with 36 bedrooms in 17 bungalow cottages, as well as real estate offerings and several world-class restaurants, including Nobu.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Inside, his older brother, Tyson, 8, sniffs around near his toys, enjoying a rare moment of uninterrupted playtime.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on continuous

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