PERPETUAL Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'perpetual' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of perpetual are constant , continual , continuous , incessant , and perennial . While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration. // a land of perpetual snowfall

Q: When is 'constant' a more appropriate choice than 'perpetual'?

The words constant and perpetual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence. // lived in constant pain

Q: When can 'continual' be used instead of 'perpetual'?

While the synonyms continual and perpetual are close in meaning, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence. // continual showers the whole weekend

Q: When would 'continuous' be a good substitute for 'perpetual'?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpetual , continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension. // football's oldest continuous rivalry

Q: In what contexts can 'incessant' take the place of 'perpetual'?

In some situations, the words incessant and perpetual are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity. // annoyed by the incessant quarreling

Q: When is it sensible to use 'perennial' instead of 'perpetual'?

The synonyms perennial and perpetual are sometimes interchangeable, but perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal. // a perennial source of controversy

perpetual

adjective

pər-ˈpe-chə-wəl

Definition of perpetual next

as in continuous

going on and on without any interruptions the perpetual rise and fall of the sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ongoing

having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish freedom of religion is a perpetual right that is guaranteed by the nation's constitution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eternal

lasting forever an immature jerk who seemed to be in a state of perpetual adolescence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perpetual are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perennial. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

When is constant a more appropriate choice than perpetual?

The words constant and perpetual are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When can continual be used instead of perpetual?

While the synonyms continual and perpetual are close in meaning, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perpetual?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpetual, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perpetual?

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

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is it sensible to use perennial instead of perpetual?

The synonyms perennial and perpetual are sometimes interchangeable, but perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

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 perpetual Spare me the injury excuses, the youth of the team, and Matt LaFleur’s perpetual accountability-without-action routine. —

Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 However, the biggest linchpin in the right-wing criticism seemed to be the perpetual talking point of DEI. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025 As for the Las Vegas Raiders, who will finish with a non-winning record for the 20th time in the past 22 years, the seemingly perpetual rebuild continues. —

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2025 The task before Trump is to keep it that way — to recognize America not only as a place of eternal paradox but also of perpetual promise. —

Kenneth Lasson, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perpetual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual

Adjective

Known for his military prowess and strategic leadership, Sambhaji’s reign was marked by continuous warfare with the Mughal Empire and other powers.

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
Hometown addresses this by participating in data security and threat assessment briefings with partners and third-party experts, ensuring continuous updates on best practices.

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025