permanent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpər-mə-nənt How to pronounce permanent (audio)
Definition of permanentnext
as in eternal
lasting forever a temporary compromise has been accepted until a more permanent solution can be agreed upon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

permanent

2 of 2

noun

as in perm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective permanent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of permanent are durable, lasting, and stable. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

When is it sensible to use durable instead of permanent?

Although the words durable and permanent have much in common, durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When would lasting be a good substitute for permanent?

The words lasting and permanent can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When is stable a more appropriate choice than permanent?

The meanings of stable and permanent largely overlap; however, stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

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 permanent
Adjective
Putin has repeatedly used NATO as an excuse for his invasion of Ukraine and demanded that Kyiv is blocked from joining the alliance and accept permanent neutrality. — Lauren Kent, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 Khalil is a permanent U.S. resident, but is Palestinian and was raised in Syria. — Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
If hotness is an effort to make the ephemeral permanent, then illness is a constant reminder of how nothing is forever. — Michelle Santiago Cortés, refinery29.com, 26 June 2021 The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is working on making three Slow Streets closed to through traffic during the pandemic permanent: Page, Shotwell and Sanchez streets. — Mallory Moench, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Feb. 2021 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
  1. eternal
  2. perm
  3. immortal
  4. conk
  5. endless
  6. haircut
  7. perpetual
  8. hairstyle
Adjective
  • We can all be seduced by the prospect of eternal life and beauty.
    — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The plot-free hangout flick quietly has a ton to say about baseball’s eternal appeal, even as the sport weathers the passage of time.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of eternal
Noun
  • Hair styles and treatments: Harsh hair treatments, like perms and relaxers, and tight hairstyles that pull your locks can lead to hair thinning or a receding hairline.
    — Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025
  • And to be clear, whipping on chains and getting a perm doesn’t make your cowardice look any more cool.
    — John Ridley, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of perm
Adjective
  • In subsequent retcons and embellishments over the years, before the Big Bang occurred for the seventh round, Galan was infused with the glowing omnipotent essence of the Sentience of the Cosmos to become the immortal being Galactus.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • And so Rose, immortal on the field, with a bat, was judged immoral off it by the saints who guard baseball’s gate.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of immortal
Noun
  • That’s what the slick dude with the conk and the blue Pontiac says to Elwood, who is hitching a ride to get to college.
    — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Everybody had a new car and a conk.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2021
Definition of conk
Adjective
  • For $17 you are saved from endless bickering about which passenger gets the charger, which is especially helpful when traveling as a family.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The modern Republican Party stands for avoiding bloody and costly foreign entanglements while Democrats plead for endless funnels of cash for Ukraine.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of endless
Noun
  • Shannon has opted for a new method of grooming to avoid the headache: home haircuts.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Over the weekend, barber Vince Garcia shared an Instagram video of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 35, getting a fresh haircut.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of haircut
Adjective
  • This imbalance can turn what should be a comfortable home into a source of perpetual stress, leaving the Cinderella roommate feeling exhausted and unappreciated.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Crypto is a booming business, yet much of its trading occurs abroad via creative products such as perpetual futures.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of perpetual
Noun
  • Teddi Mellencamp is changing up her hairstyle on a day-to-day basis.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The scene was shot in black and white against a black background, and the contrast between black and white turned out beautifully, especially with the members’ blonde hairstyles.
    — Irene Kim, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of hairstyle

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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