PERENNIAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perennial

adjective

pə-ˈre-nē-əl

Definition of perennial next

as in enduring

having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish her perennial pessimism was really starting to annoy her coworkers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Sharon Anderson, a perennial candidate for public office who frequently sues public officials, has run for a political seat — from governor to city council to U.S. President — almost annually since 1970, never winning a general election. —

Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2024 During this time, Wilson's late mother Rosemary looked after a perennial garden which was beloved by the local community, something the president of the development company knew about and actually used as a selling point of the area. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Recently the star and perennial heartthrob used that special sauce to help rescue S.W.A.T., the CBS police procedural he’s led since 2017, from extinction. —

Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 The New York Yankees were his model, the perennial big spenders. —

Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perennial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial

Adjective

The exquisitely lush show breathes new life into one of the most enduring love stories in recent history.

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024
These five themes reflect broad skills required of directors for deeper and more enduring governance effectiveness: 1.

John M. Bremen, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024