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

Examples 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 Zoom in: The turfgrass Michigan State developed is a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass that can be grown in sand on plastic. Joe Guillen, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024 Trends come and go, but Adidas Sambas sneakers are a perennial fave. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024 Desert rivers:Why river advocates say Arizona's upper Verde should earn 'Wild and Scenic' protections Protecting the Upper Verde River In the shadow of Little Thumb Butte, the perennial springs flowing from the canyons form the headwaters of the Verde River. John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Dec. 2024 Enjoy Holiday Dessert Wars, Trap Shoot Contest, Minute to Win It and the Festival of Lights Wagon Ride, a perennial favorite. Roger Sands, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perennial 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • Building on existing relationships can lead to mentorships that are both impactful and enduring.
    Dr. Ruth Gotian, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • One of Hollywood’s most successful and enduring couples, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, long made their home on a 6.8-acre spread in Westport, Connecticut.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The study looked at the top 250 television series available from major streaming services in 2023, including for the first time library titles alongside new and ongoing programs.
    Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
  • This analysis of an innovative proposition is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Feel your immortal soul being warmed and suffused with pleasures both rare and immeasurable.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
  • But incredibly, when faced with threats from injury to starvation, the immortal jellyfish can reverse the process, turning the clock backward.
    Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • That’s part of the fun of writing the show with these sort of eternal characters, who’ve been around forever.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Kim uses lady bugs as berries to symbolize good fortune, the wreaths to symbolize eternal unity and the candles to symbolize light in darkness.
    Bakr Muhammad, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Scattered across the New York City subway system, strewn between its millions of comers and goers, are thousands of long-term loiters, perpetual itinerants, and permanent subterranean residents.
    Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024
  • And for Paul and Lydia, the house is a perpetual reminder of the death of their son, a loss that time hasn’t begun to heal.
    Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • What’s your advice for staying in the game so long and continuing adventures late into life?
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • This included metal rods being inserted into victims’ vaginas, causing lasting and possibly irreparable damage.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • My favorite time of year, Carnival, is one of the region’s most lasting and powerful traditions.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near perennial

Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on perennial

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