CONTINUAL Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'continual' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of continual are constant , continuous , incessant , perennial , and perpetual . While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence. // continual showers the whole weekend

Q: In what contexts can 'constant' take the place of 'continual'?

While in some cases nearly identical to continual , constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence. // lived in constant pain

Q: When could 'continuous' be used to replace 'continual'?

The meanings of continuous and continual largely overlap; however, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension. // football's oldest continuous rivalry

Q: When might 'incessant' be a better fit than 'continual'?

The words incessant and continual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity. // annoyed by the incessant quarreling

Q: When is 'perennial' a more appropriate choice than 'continual'?

Although the words perennial and continual have much in common, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal. // a perennial source of controversy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'perpetual' instead of 'continual'?

The synonyms perpetual and continual are sometimes interchangeable, but perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration. // a land of perpetual snowfall

continual

adjective

kən-ˈtin-yü-əl

Definition of continual

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as in continuous

going on and on without any interruptions the castaways hoped that the continual broadcast of the distress signal would eventually attract attention

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as in recurrent

occurring or appearing at intervals a history of continual invasions from countries to the west

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

Some common synonyms of continual are constant, continuous, incessant, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

In what contexts can constant take the place of continual?

While in some cases nearly identical to continual, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When could continuous be used to replace continual?

The meanings of continuous and continual largely overlap; however, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

When might incessant be a better fit than continual?

The words incessant and continual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is perennial a more appropriate choice than continual?

Although the words perennial and continual have much in common, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When is it sensible to use perpetual instead of continual?

The synonyms perpetual and continual are sometimes interchangeable, but perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

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 continual Despite the continual growth of physical media and a dedicated fan base for Indian classics, many significant works from the region remain unavailable in high-quality home video formats. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025 The bond market may be an even more important check than the stock market for Trump, especially considering that the nation’s $36 trillion in debt needs continual refinancing. —Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 Under Trump's continual personal attacks, Smith defended his conduct as fully lawful, free of partisan influence and vital to the justice system. —Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025 All these countries have one thing in common: continual resistance to opening up their political systems and including a wider array of voices in official decision-making. —Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for continual

Adjective

Each episode of the UK series — which centers on a 13-year-old boy named Jamie being accused of murder — was filmed in a single take, with some running for more than an hour of continuous action, with school fights, foot chases and multiple location changes all included.

— Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 17 Mar. 2025
Ballet is a lifestyle that requires continuous conditioning, off-season side jobs, a body type that fits the needs of a particular company, partnering skills and, well, a lot of luck.

— Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025