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
Verb
  • Meanwhile, adding to the complications for a key revenue generator for Putin's war in Ukraine, Poland's president said Russian gas flows to Europe should never resume.
    Brendan Cole, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Related article In a single Delhi house, several hundred years of Indian history Tourists look forward The news of the agreement to resume commercial flights prompted some to share their enthusiasm on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
    Chris Lau, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As long as the war in Ukraine grinds on and Iran’s acrimonious relations with the West persist, driving a wedge between Russia and Iran will be a lofty challenge.
    Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Still, concerns persist about its future valuation, as the company announced plans on Friday to invest $60–$65 billion this year to scale up its AI initiatives.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, both directions of I-15 were closed, but all lanes reopened as of 4:45 a.m., according to a California Highway Patrol dispatcher.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The Dorfman theatre, currently closed for infrastructure work, will reopen in June with the 30th anniversary of Connections, the National’s youth theatre program whose alumni include David Oyelowo, Rose Ayling-Ellis, and Keira Knightley.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Even before the first phase is completed, the fragile cease-fire agreement that has paused 15 months of war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas faces increasingly long odds of lasting or even reaching phase two.
    Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This habit lasted well into his toddler years and was really tough to break.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Homeland Security has put out notices to start phasing out humanitarian parole programs and to restart the full implementation of the Remain in Mexico policy, which would require some asylum seekers at the southern border to wait in Mexico for their hearings in U.S. immigration court.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025
  • What to Know About the New Directive The directive instructs the Departments of Commerce and Interior, along with other federal agencies, to restart Trump-era efforts to increase water diversions from the Delta.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near continue

Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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