continue

verb

kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce continue (audio)
Definition of continuenext
1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the heavy snow continued throughout the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to resume
to begin again or return to after an interruption we'll continue this discussion after we've eaten

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb continue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of continue are abide, endure, last, and persist. While all these words mean "to exist over a period of time or indefinitely," continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

When might abide be a better fit than continue?

While the synonyms abide and continue are close in meaning, abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

When could endure be used to replace continue?

Although the words endure and continue have much in common, endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

When is it sensible to use last instead of continue?

The words last and continue can be used in similar contexts, but last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

In what contexts can persist take the place of continue?

The synonyms persist and continue are sometimes interchangeable, but persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

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 continue Still, odds are tariff volatility will continue, despite a court ruling last week that Trump doesn’t have the authority to impose blanket taxes on most imports, including from China, Canada and Mexico. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 2 June 2025 This continues to happen in towns along the frontier. —Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 The six-week program, for students in pre-school through 12th grade, continues until July 26. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025 King continued to dominate, finishing his freshman season at Florida with a monstrous 73 1/3 innings with 79 strikeouts and a 2.58 ERA. —Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for continue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
  1. remain
  2. resume
  3. persist
  4. reopen
  5. last
  6. restart
Verb
  • What remain enduringly relevant are the book’s insights into the nature of design innovation, which Jencks described as analogous to biological evolution, a constant flow of emergent, divergent, and convergent streams.
    — Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • The incident remains under investigated by Meriden Police detectives and anyone with information should contact Det.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Definition of remain
Verb
  • The plane then resumed its journey and traveled the remaining four hours to Los Angeles without incident.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • Yields resumed their move higher Wednesday as demand for 40-year government bonds reportedly dropped to its weakest level since July last year, according to Reuters’ calculations, hovering near record highs hit last week.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Definition of resume
Verb
  • Despite this strong market momentum, concerns about Constellation Energy’s valuation persist.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, complicating any potential ceasefire or peace negotiations.
    — Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Definition of persist
Verb
  • Already a Detroit destination ahead of the first anniversary of its reopening party on June 6, the station has become a hotspot for weddings, other events and visits by more than 300,000 people.
    — Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • Several former Big Lots storefronts that are not reopening have found a new life.
    — Addy Bink, The Hill, 1 June 2025
Definition of reopen
Verb
  • While state law allows special sessions to last up to 60 days, many lawmakers view the end of June as their true deadline to get an incentives plan done.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
  • Being pepper-sprayed can also lead to lasting psychological trauma.
    — Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Definition of last
Verb
  • The government last month restarted collections for the millions of people in default on their loans.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
  • But trying to restart talks is worth those dangers.
    — John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Definition of restart

Browse Nearby Words

continuations
continue
continued
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Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

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