CONTINUE Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

continue

verb

kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü

Definition of continue next

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the heavy snow continued throughout the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The high-profile home burglaries involving sporting stars continued in December. —

Wayne Sterling, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 The hike is necessary in order to continue delivering the ride services, which have been provided to county residents 65 and older and persons with disabilities since 2008, the release said. —

Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 The companies could face some $850 billion in fines for continuing to make the app accessible to Americans. —

Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 As the song continued to build both on streaming platforms and at radio, Atlantic’s A&R team reached out to Joe Jonas’ team to gauge interest in a potential remix. —

Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for continue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue

Verb

As Alonso remains unsigned and his suitors dwindle, a surprising team could swoop in to sign him.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
Unemployment remains low and inflation has dropped below 3%, but Biden struggled to convince Americans that the turbulent times of the post-Covid era were over.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2025