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

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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 There’s a reason why James hasn’t seen a transaction like the one that brought Doncic to Los Angeles, with the 25-year-old perennial MVP candidate holding his introductory press conference on Tuesday morning in El Segundo. —

Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2025 Bregman drama looms over Astros The Houston Astros aren’t going anywhere, but the way this offseason has played out the perennial contenders could be in line to take a step back. —

Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 The adequacy of the system’s staffing is a perennial issue, and, intermittently, so is the government’s role. —

Matthew L. Wald, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025 Longstanding staples like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe continue to attract stars en masse, while newer additions like Capital One’s COF +1.2% perennial birdies-and-banter fest, The Match has infused fresh energy into the scene. —

Mike Dojc, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perennial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial

Adjective

More than just a cooking vessel, the sauce pot represents nonna's enduring presence in the family's kitchen.

— Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Still Ugly also provides Urie and Newton a unique platform to revisit the series through a contemporary lens, examining its enduring relevance and celebrating the show’s bold storytelling and cultural impact.

— Ashley Vega, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025