Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perennial are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When could constant be used to replace perennial?

While in some cases nearly identical to perennial, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

Where would continual be a reasonable alternative to perennial?

Although the words continual and perennial have much in common, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perennial?

The words continuous and perennial can be used in similar contexts, but continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perennial?

In some situations, the words incessant and perennial are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can perpetual be used instead of perennial?

The words perpetual and perennial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 perennial Finally, the Dell XPS 13 is the X1 Carbon's perennial rival for the ultraportable crown. PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025 The Zags, a perennial powerhouse and long the best team in the West, looked like they were stuck in quicksand all night. Lindsay Schnell, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 Since the Chiefs became a perennial contender a decade ago, the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation has begun preparations for a potential victory celebration well in advance of the playoffs. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 If that’s not enough for perennial contention, then the rest of the AFC East’s decrepitude will keep that window wide open. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perennial 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • That cycle of emotions, all told with his eyes and mouth, has deservedly become an enduring meme.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Vintage jewelry is at the heart of this exhibition, which showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of pearls, not to mention their enduring allure of these timeless gems.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The investigation is ongoing and findings will be submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office for formal review.
    Christina Shaw, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Mohajir points to ongoing construction on the Roth Tower at FBC Mortgage Stadium as one reason for altering the spring calendar.
    Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Chalamet has been nominated for awards for his performance as the immortal bard at the Golden Globes and several regional critics' awards ceremonies; his fans and lookalikes can tune in tomorrow to discover whether he's been nominated for the Oscar, too.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025
  • But in 2024, the immortal fairytale was updated by Sicangu Lakota Nation member and 2020 MacArthur Fellow Larissa FastHorse.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In our current culture wars, the left gets accused of playing loose with language that is supposedly eternal and universal, distorting the meaning of words in order to suit its ideology.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Here's everything to know about the movie's final moments, including the fate of Adaline's eternal youth condition.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Its foray into spot, futures, and perpetual trading broadened to create something of a one-stop shop for its institutional clients.
    Javier Paz, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025
  • By that measure, the mostly instrumental The Bad Fire contains what feels like etudes on unhappiness, a perpetual sense of never really fitting in anywhere.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 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
  • His most lasting fit partner-wise has been Myers, who barely played in the NHL last season.
    Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • President Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, lasting months or more.
    Kim Tong-Hyung, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perennial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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