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

Examples 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 mental health nonprofit Caring for Denver will continue to issue taxpayer grants for just one year under a new contract approved Monday by the City Council. John Frank, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024 Abbott Elementary, a cultural touchstone created by and starring Quinta Brunson, continues to break records and earn accolades. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 10 Dec. 2024 Second, machines will continue to get smarter, with more economic activity shifting to artificial agents rather than humans. Korok Ray, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Swanson will continue to be based in San Diego and report to Chief Operating Officer, Goldenvoice, Melissa Ormond. Thania Garcia, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for continue 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • In the wake of Friday's news, TikTok content creators are wasting no time advising followers to find them on other platforms, as the social media app's future remains murky.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Meanwhile, as rescuers remain focused on nursing the Muddy River's wildlife back to health, officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of the spill.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Those couldn’t all be about resuming the death penalty or opioid settlement dollars.
    Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Allen's blood mission will resume with a Week 15 date with the 12-1 Detroit Lions, which could be a potential Super Bowl LIX matchup.
    Sean Treppedi, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Still, the latest economic data out of China have underscored persisting deflationary pressures in the flagging economy.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Ticket scams and sky-high resale prices persisted throughout the duration of the tour.
    Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Initial predictions forecasted that the property would reopen as soon as 2019, however, the target date has been pushed back several times since then due to unforeseen pandemic delays, in addition to a corruption scandal that arose in 2018.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024
  • After a year-long renovation and expansion, the Mercantile Library recently reopened its doors at 414 Walnut St.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • On the other hand, longer breaks, especially those lasting months, tend to result in more significant losses, particularly for beginners.
    Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
  • This segment of What’s Ahead examines how Putin’s plans can be thwarted and how a great lasting settlement can be reached, leaving Ukraine truly independent.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Other activists and progressive Democrats are urging Biden to commute the sentences of 40 men on federal death row, fearing the return of Trump will restart federal executions, which had been paused under the Biden administration.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • But, beyond the problems identified since the Alaska Airlines incident, the four-week delay in restarting production shows how serious the impact of the two-month strike has been.
    Chris Isidore, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near continue

Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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