permanent 1 of 2

Definition of permanentnext

permanent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective permanent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of permanent are durable, lasting, and stable. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

When is it sensible to use durable instead of permanent?

Although the words durable and permanent have much in common, durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When would lasting be a good substitute for permanent?

The words lasting and permanent can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When is stable a more appropriate choice than permanent?

The meanings of stable and permanent largely overlap; however, stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

How does the adjective permanent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of permanent are durable, lasting, and stable. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

When is it sensible to use durable instead of permanent?

Although the words durable and permanent have much in common, durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When would lasting be a good substitute for permanent?

The words lasting and permanent can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When is stable a more appropriate choice than permanent?

The meanings of stable and permanent largely overlap; however, stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

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 permanent
Adjective
The result thus far has been the intensification of American military pressure and the permanent alienation of Iran’s neighbors, some of whom will support or even join the war against it. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 Over time, that would mean creating a permanent underclass that grows with every generation. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
If hotness is an effort to make the ephemeral permanent, then illness is a constant reminder of how nothing is forever. Michelle Santiago Cortés, refinery29.com, 26 June 2021 There is always a temptation to make the temporary permanent, which is why the peace government must prioritize elections. Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Affairs, 4 May 2021 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
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
Noun
  • For those wanting even more body, Destin says a modern perm can help add long-lasting texture to fine hair.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
  • A lot has changed since Kevin Keegan — bubble perm, flappy 1970s collar, magic in his feet — was ushered to the side of the pitch to collect his first Ballon d’Or award.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 30 Jan. 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
Noun
  • The conk, the afro… and the jheri curl.
    Sonari Glinton, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
  • On the way to the conk pad, Mike runs over the f–ing show!
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Sacramento Kings have seen it all while dealing with an endless series of injuries that derailed their season from the start.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • An endless stream of trucks pours in before sunrise, feeding a project where thousands of workers move through the site in hardhats and neon vests.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Cap it all at Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum, a wonderfully oddball combination of locomotive lore and local haircuts—proving that even here, life runs on its own, distinctly Irish track.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Zazie also had a huge haircut, and any spark would leave a hole in her hair.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The consortium of buyers also includes the Aditya Birla Group and media company The Times of India Group, alongside Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Blackstone’s investment in the Royal Challengers is coming from its perpetual private equity strategy; these evergreen funds are designed for high-net-worth individual investors.
    Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • She is then seen taking the stage donning her famous blond, banged hairstyle.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Watch the 'Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special' trailer In the trailer, Cyrus, with her hair in Hannah Montana's iconic blonde hairstyle, could be seen driving to the studio lot.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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