Definition of perennialnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perennial are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When could constant be used to replace perennial?

While in some cases nearly identical to perennial, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

Where would continual be a reasonable alternative to perennial?

Although the words continual and perennial have much in common, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perennial?

The words continuous and perennial can be used in similar contexts, but continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perennial?

In some situations, the words incessant and perennial are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can perpetual be used instead of perennial?

The words perpetual and perennial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 perennial Birkenstock Arizona With timeless style and legendary comfort from the anatomical footbed, the Birkenstock Arizona is a perennial favorite. Lisa Jhung, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026 Instead, two perennial growth powerhouses this decade, the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, were at the top of the list, followed by the Atlanta, Phoenix and Charlotte, North Carolina, metro areas. ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 Since taking over as Texas’ women’s basketball coach in 2020, Vic Schaefer has turned the Longhorns into a perennial national title contender. Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 25 Mar. 2026 To strike this balance, Ivanov recommends placing other perennial plants in front of tulips, as their foliage will protect the flowers from receiving too much sun. Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • These elements appear suspended between states — organic yet altered, fragile yet enduring.
    Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Your dutiful correspondent’s first impression of his favorite place on earth upon returning here for his 37th home opener wasn’t about the deep green or brilliant blue or enduring mountainscape.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, groups like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, said this current moment should not distract from the still-ongoing civil rights battles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The two leaders discussed progress made during ongoing operations to eliminate Iran’s ability to attack other countries, Hawkins said in a statement.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The mantra presents the image of a ripe cucumber becoming untethered from its vine, evoking a deep desire for liberation from the physical world—a strong yearning for an unbounded, eternal, and therefore immortal condition.
    Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026
  • That would be Marie’s immortal legacy.
    Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Opening day is a joyous thing, a classic source of eternal optimism.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Hope springs eternal, after all.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Why is there the perpetual erosion of our environment, and things like poverty, famine, homelessness and hatred and division?
    Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Living in a seemingly perpetual athletic prime between the two generations, Caldwell would likely climb to the Moon if such a feat were possible.
    Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
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
  • An existential crisis for TSA Months of turmoil and funding whiplash may have lasting effects on TSA’s ability to recruit and retain workers, McNeill told lawmakers this week.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Her kindness and devotion to others left a lasting impact.
    Tony Aiello, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on perennial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster