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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

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 perpetual In addition to their Rodeo Royalty titles, winners receive custom belt buckles, perpetual sashes and crowns and equestrian gear. Gqlshare, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 Provided everyone can stay healthy in the playoffs (starting center Kristaps Porzingis is a perpetual question mark), this 3-point-shooting superteam looks like one of the favorites to win it all in June, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 This imbalance can turn what should be a comfortable home into a source of perpetual stress, leaving the Cinderella roommate feeling exhausted and unappreciated. Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Crypto is a booming business, yet much of its trading occurs abroad via creative products such as perpetual futures. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perpetual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual
Adjective
  • Embark on the Wild Azalea Trail—the longest continuous hiking trail in the state—or take a refreshing plunge in Kincaid Lake.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The Garden Says… is not just an environment but an invitation—one that encourages return, exploration, and the continuous possibility of new meetings.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And while the ongoing airstrikes have wrecked the Houthis by taking out vital missile-launching facilities with no U.S. casualties, the Democrats attacked Trump and his defense and intelligence team for leaks over the attack plan.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Many of us have been underscoring the ongoing evolution of electric transportation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The man who is arguably the most famous or legendary keyboard sideman in rock talked with Variety about the circumstances of his new album, his current west coast tour (with more dates to be added further east) and his eternal eagerness to salute his forebears.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Ultimately the sentimentalists could no longer withstand the weight of modern football expectation, so Highbury remains a place to visit in its new residential form with your eyes half closed — and an eternal bank of memories.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • By keeping foundational elements intact and refreshing certain aspects, through temporary activations, events or seasonal activations, venues can provide a sense of familiarity alongside continual newness.
    Riki Nishimura, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Reitz said that UConn education is in high demand and that there has been continual growth in enrollment.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 Mar. 2025
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
  • The scenarios are endless, each rife with long-lasting consequences.
    Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Its eccentricity is endless, with a heartfelt solo here, a zany sequence there, and a glitzy grand finale to cap it all off.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow Kevin for continued coverage of drinks culture around the world.
    Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The prospect of continued rain Saturday morning was enough to lead to organizers of the Bentonville Half Marathon to postpone the event, which was originally scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 4 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

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Cite this Entry

“Perpetual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpetual. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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