1
2
3

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 The footage shows several lights against the night sky, along with a perpetual buzzing sound, though Newsweek can't independently verify this. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024 On the other end, Young orchestrated a relentless series of pick-and-rolls, putting Mikal Bridges, New York’s point-of-attack defender, in perpetual motion. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024 Soon the customers would all be regulars, their fingers always dusty with garlic powder and a hint of cayenne, and have a perpetual thirst that’s never quite quenched. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 12 Dec. 2024 Only a perpetual, living, and constantly renewed memory of the mass murder would prevent the restoration of a criminal, authoritarian regime. Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perpetual 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual
Adjective
  • Modern VPNs will still be relevant but will need to evolve to fit into the Zero Trust model, offering more granular and continuous security checks.
    Gene Marks, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Nissan's driver information screen and infotainment touch screen, both measuring 12.3 inches, are smartly housed under a continuous frame and sit above the SUV's minimalist steering wheel.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some Russian media organizations also suggested Ukrainian drones collided with the plane during their attack on targets in Chechnya, which was ongoing at the time.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 29 Dec. 2024
  • What To Know According to the emergency office, rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to evacuate passengers from the aircraft.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • As rival Man United knows too well, dominance isn’t eternal.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • This one's all about eternal optimist Alice Scott who's still dreaming of her big writing break.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Leadership is a continual learning process, and every decision holds valuable insights.
    Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Harvest herbs and start new plants to have a continual supply.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The Spotlight Award celebrates an actor whose talent and career personify an enduring commitment to excellence, including a special appreciation of the importance of costume design.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Their action testifies to the enduring relevance of this 19th century play, which was adapted by Amy Herzog and ran until June.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Tamales in endless variety are a delicious Christmas tradition.
    Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024
  • The new hippo on the block is unlikely to eclipse Moo Deng’s celebrity, but the public has a seemingly endless appetite for images and videos of cute animals.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Sophomore Tony Livingston’s continued development, highlighted by his first career touchdown at Florida State, also took snaps away from Boardingham.
    Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The continued opportunity to discuss and explore additional solutions for DEIB challenges can be a fruitful strategy to support continued impact on the workplace.
    Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Baldwin becomes the immortal speaker, always at service.
    Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Sure enough, their mutual affections eventually get synced up in season two, thanks in part to Hoobastank’s immortal power ballad.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near perpetual

Cite this Entry

“Perpetual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpetual. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!