continually

adverb

con·​tin·​u·​al·​ly kən-ˈtin-yü-ə-lē 

-yə-lē

: in a continual manner : without stopping or interruption

a security system that runs continually

We had endured a series of dark, gloomy, winter days, during which the sun had been continually hidden behind dense, rain clouds.

—George Thatcher

… I was too thoroughly swept away by this richly imagined and continually surprising novel to be concerned with cute comparisons.

—Edan Lepucki

They bickered continually, ignoring me as I worked around them.

—Paula Fox

: in a constantly repeated manner : over and over

being interrupted continually

She would write. I would read and edit, and sometimes shift the wordings, or change phrases or delete things. We would continually refine what was written.

—Herbie Hancock

Synonyms

• again and again
• constantly
• frequently
• hourly
• much
• oft
• often
• oftentimes
• ofttimes
• over and over
• repeatedly

Examples of continually in a Sentence

grew up in a time when children were continually being told to mind their manners

the computer program continually updates the file with new information

Recent Examples on the Web

Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt—remains strong but begins to slow, underscoring the importance of continually challenging yourself to stay sharp. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

What this Canada core has lacked through their ascent beginning in 2019 under John Herdman is the ability to win decisive games — particularly against stiff competition — continually. —Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

Winner: Pop princesses 2024 wasn't just a good year for mega-stars like Swift: Women in pop music continually dominated the charts. —Emily Trainham, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

He was continually humbled, delighted, and honored by the admiration and passion of the fans and convention community. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contynuely, from continuel continual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above