Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of incessant are constant, continual, continuous, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can constant be used instead of incessant?

In some situations, the words constant and incessant are roughly equivalent. However, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When could continual be used to replace incessant?

The words continual and incessant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When is it sensible to use continuous instead of incessant?

Although the words continuous and incessant have much in common, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

Where would perennial be a reasonable alternative to incessant?

While the synonyms perennial and incessant are close in meaning, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When would perpetual be a good substitute for incessant?

The words perpetual and incessant can be used in similar contexts, 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 incessant The Steelers chose Terry Bradshaw, who could have solved their incessant quarterback confusion. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 Even Gomez’s recent engagement to Benny Blanco hasn’t put a stop to the incessant speculation from fans. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 During his first term, an incessant stream of social media posts, surprise announcements and often-bizarre controversies became the norm. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 Despite the numerous types of meditation, just hearing (or reading) the word often conjures up an image of sitting painstakingly (and quite possibly painfully) still for an hour or two, begging your mind to stop rattling off your incessant to-do list and just be still. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for incessant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incessant
Adjective
  • The snatch requires the athlete to lift the barbell from the ground to overhead in one continuous motion.
    Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • This goal reflects his commitment to continuous growth and achieving excellence on a global scale.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair reacted to Trump's continual overtures about Canadian statehood during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels on Wednesday.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
  • The ability to feed a growing human population - in a sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion - depends on continual technological innovation and a steady stream of breakthrough ideas.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The appeals court sided with Hunley in November and cleared the way for the continued deposition.
    José Ignacio Castañeda Perez, The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The judge’s questions probed the concept of legal standing — whether the unions can show the kind of legal harm that would justify a continued block on the Trump administration’s plans.
    Ellen Knickmeyer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
  • What’s your advice for staying in the game so long and continuing adventures late into life?
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • This fall, Southwest Airlines is debuting a new nonstop flight between San Diego and Fresno where passengers will have convenient access to three of California’s top national parks.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Flying was both a job and a passion for the two pilots and two crew members aboard the nonstop flight from Wichita that had been operating for just a year.
    Julie Bosman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near incessant

Cite this Entry

“Incessant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incessant. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incessant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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