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 Davis police continue to seek witnesses to Saturday’s shootings. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025 For the third year, The Trust continues joining forces with Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Jewish Community Services of South Florida for the More Summer Camp Choices Campaign. —Yvette Thompson-Echevarria, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025 If his health cooperates and his development continues, Fashanu could be a huge part of the Jets’ future. —Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Pika continues to push the boundaries of AI video with tools that blend nostalgia, realism, and personalization. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 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
  • The White House visit is a significant achievement for Bukele, whose authoritarian tactics to remain in power were condemned by the Biden administration just a few years ago.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That means such products imported from China will apparently not be subjected to the 125% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump slapped on Beijing (a 20% tariff will remain).
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of remain
Verb
  • Jury selection for Karen Read's retrial on murder and other charges in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe, resumes Thursday with just one more seat to fill.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But Judge Darren Simpson of Idaho’s 7th Judicial District denied the motion, and the trial resumed for another two days until jurors were sent to deliberate.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of resume
Verb
  • Speculation has persisted regarding a big-money move, but Moyes is looking to keep hold of his star defender.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Nevertheless, the meagre crowds in the early rounds persist, with a paltry 329 watching Burton Albion lose to Stevenage in this season’s group stage.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of persist
Verb
  • Dallas’ restaurant inspections function on a 100-point scale: A score of 100 is considered perfect and a score under 60 is considered unacceptable, requiring immediate closure and inspection before reopening.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The governor, however, did push back against the Trump administration’s efforts to reopen a 1,000-bed New Jersey detention center in February for federal immigration processing with a private global lender.
    — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of reopen
Verb
  • Our customers are drawn to pieces that hold lasting value and significance.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The journey is expected to last approximately 10 minutes, per The Associated Press.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of last
Verb
  • Samsung is no doubt working to fix the issues and restart the update rollout.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Delegates from the United States and Iran are holding talks in Oman on Saturday in a delicate effort to restart negotiations over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.
    — Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of restart

Browse Nearby Words

continuations
continue
continued
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of continue for Spanish Speakers

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