Synonyms of perpetual

perpetual

adjective

pər-ˈpe-chə-wəl 

1

as in continuous

going on and on without any interruptions

the perpetual rise and fall of the sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

• continuous
• continual
• continued
• continuing
• incessant
• nonstop
• uninterrupted
• constant
• unceasing
• unbroken
• unremitting
• ceaseless
• permanent
• persistent
• running
• eternal
• unending
• endless
• everlasting
• steady
• interminable
• lasting
• immortal
• deathless
• enduring
• undying
• unchanging
• changeless
• unvarying
• durable
• stable
• indestructible
• imperishable
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• periodic
• discontinuous
• recurrent
• intermittent
• seasonal
• periodical
• serial
• cyclic
• occasional
• alternate
• cyclical
• rhythmic
• noncontinuous
• recurring
• rhythmical
• sporadic
• spasmodic
• irregular
• erratic
• unsteady
• spotty
• alternating
• fitful

2

as in ongoing

having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish

freedom of religion is a perpetual right that is guaranteed by the nation's constitution

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ongoing
• enduring
• eternal
• immortal
• continuing
• perennial
• lasting
• everlasting
• constant
• endless
• abiding
• ageless
• timeless
• undying
• permanent
• imperishable
• ceaseless
• dateless
• unchanging
• changeless
• stationary
• unvarying
• steady
• stable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obsolete
• archaic
• antiquated
• outmoded
• outdated
• outworn
• out-of-date
• dated
• passé

3

as in eternal

lasting forever

an immature jerk who seemed to be in a state of perpetual adolescence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eternal
• endless
• immortal
• permanent
• unending
• everlasting
• ceaseless
• deathless
• durable
• undying
• lasting
• continuous
• enduring
• persistent
• continual
• stubborn
• uninterrupted
• unbroken
• dateless
• incessant
• indestructible
• continuing
• indelible
• indefeasible
• steadfast
• stable
• unceasing
• indissoluble
• timeless
• abiding
• imperishable
• unremitting
• standing
• unfailing
• long-lived
• indefectible
• steady
• unfaltering
• inexpungible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• temporary
• transient
• mortal
• momentary
• transitory
• ephemeral
• passing
• fleeting
• evanescent
• fugitive
• impermanent
• short-term
• interim
• provisional
• short-lived
• fugacious

Synonym Chooser

How is the word perpetual different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of perpetual are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perennial. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

When is constant a more appropriate choice than perpetual?

The words constant and perpetual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When can continual be used instead of perpetual?

While the synonyms continual and perpetual are close in meaning, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perpetual?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpetual, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perpetual?

In some situations, the words incessant and perpetual are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is it sensible to use perennial instead of perpetual?

The synonyms perennial and perpetual are sometimes interchangeable, but perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of perpetual

His wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen), wears an expression of perpetual disappointment. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2025

Odenkirk’s perpetual mask of confusion speaks both to this character’s inability to find contentment in the world and to these movies’ quaint status as the last vestiges of a once-thriving subgenre. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025

Jones suggested perpetual instability may have led to Zariah seeking refuge with the men now accused of taking her life. —Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Many businesses face perpetual disruption from geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism and pandemic aftereffects. —Jay Patel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025