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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

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 perpetual See video … - WATCH ROB BRESNAHAN – Democrats' 'perpetual war' on fossil fuels believed to hurt chances in key swing state. Fox News, 29 Oct. 2024 And in a stroke of luck beyond measure, the 2003 NBA draft saw the perpetual doormat Cleveland Cavaliers landing the local kid from Akron with the first pick, instantly changing the trajectory of not only the team but the town itself. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024 In principle building a perpetual solar aircraft is easy. David Hambling, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 That path is not one of perpetual occupation and perpetual war. Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perpetual 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual
Adjective
  • Organizations that encourage continuous learning and are willing to back it with money are investing in the long term.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • In August, Dexcom launched the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring system in the U.S. Typically, continuous glucose monitors are used by people with diabetes to track their realtime blood-sugar levels.
    Bruce Gil, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In the meantime, board members like Fischer and Goddard will work to break through a stalemate in ongoing discussions between Colorado River Basin states over how to manage the overburdened river.
    Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Such ongoing protection is also currently required by U.S. law.
    Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The circular shape of the wreath represents the eternal nature of God — his never-ending love, mercy, and faithfulness.
    Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
  • There was his body natural—the one that loved, and ate, and suffered, and died—and then there was the body politic, the eternal guardian and embodiment of the English people.
    Isaac Butler, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But even this descriptor will not be able to withstand the pressure put on it by continual disappearance.
    Denise Chow, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Nobody likes being forced to change, so guide them during the journey and provide continual updates on the program's progress.
    Cory McNeley, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Instead, its enduring appeal has always been its effervescent scene found in winding laneways, blockbuster art galleries, and innovative kitchens.
    Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024
  • These casual and trendy shoes have an enduring appeal that never goes out of style, evolving into shorter versions that are all the rage.
    Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The dairy aisle can be intimidating these days: Aside from regular cow's milk, there are endless dairy-free choices that offer varying benefits and tastes.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Bugout bags are an essential prepper accessory, subject to endless dissection and debate.
    Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Through the continued generosity of donors and sponsors, the foundation will continue to support food pantries in carrying out their vital work.
    Karen Gross and Renée Santos, Hartford Courant, 28 Nov. 2024
  • The continued heat coverage may bring more attention to the climate crisis, as international fans see their favorite sports stars suffering from the impacts of extreme heat, Murfree said.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 28 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Joan tearfully gives a Bachelor Nation immortal line to the camera as the tragic orchestra music hits new levels.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
  • The other main cast member, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), a human familiar turned vampire turned human once more, isn’t in this scene, having once again left the house in the dangerously hapless hands of his immortal onetime employers.
    Devin Oktar Yalkin, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near perpetual

Cite this Entry

“Perpetual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpetual. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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