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 The watch marks a continuation of the celebration of F1’s 75th anniversary and the perennial ties between car collectors and watch collectors. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2025 It was then expected that the young team would become a perennial power, but continued success immediately escaped them. Raymond Daniel Burke, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2025 Hollyhocks tower over perennial beds and borders, adding cottage charm to any planting. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025 Addressing any tension in the pelvic floor is far more valuable than any stretching or massaging of the perennial tissues. Carson Meyer, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • One of the most enduring figures in modern history, her time on the throne spanned 14 U.S. presidencies and 15 British Prime Ministers.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • For leaders, Chamberlain’s story delivers a crucial lesson: the most enduring brands are not those that hide behind a flawless facade.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Related Articles The company said that the trade-in program is the next step in the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability; the initiative was first announced in its September 2024 Impact Report.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Police emphasized that the incident poses no ongoing threat to public safety.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Each time he’s killed testing the alien atmosphere for viruses or absorbing massive amounts of radiation on a space walk, he’s resurrected in a printing machine in what amounts to a hilariously terrible immortal drudgery.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In subsequent retcons and embellishments over the years, before the Big Bang occurred for the seventh round, Galan was infused with the glowing omnipotent essence of the Sentience of the Cosmos to become the immortal being Galactus.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But what’s even creepier is Remmick’s invitation to the holdouts to join them, promising an escape from dehumanizing cruelty into a fellowship that offers an eternal life of freedom and enlightenment.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Duke faithful may still be reeling from the shock of losing the national semifinal to Houston despite a 6-point lead with the ball in the final minute, but hope springs eternal in Durham.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For a musical, and a musical within a musical, that gives lip service to her cultural value, Smash The Musical treats Monroe as a perpetual punchline.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That’s how desperate Jason is to cling to his happy place — although the next 24 hours could prove traumatic enough to finally snap him out of his perpetual adolescence.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Apr. 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
  • While entirely arbitrary, centuries are football’s convenient shorthand for recognising quality, consistency and lasting impact.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Trusting that both parties, as well as tourists who visit, want to see sustainable and lasting arrangements for Ocean City will allow for a meaningful collaboration that will create a good solution for all parties.
    Gretchen Holland, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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