continuous

adjective

kən-ˈtin-yü-əs How to pronounce continuous (audio)
Definition of continuousnext
as in continual
going on and on without any interruptions a city that has been under continuous bombardment for three days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a continuous flow
a continual flow
a constant flow
a consistent flow
a perpetual flow
a steady flow
continuous monitoring
continual monitoring
constant monitoring
persistent monitoring
steady monitoring
uninterrupted monitoring
a continuous operation
an uninterrupted operation
a sustained operation
a steady operation
a nonstop operation
a constant operation
a continuous period
an uninterrupted period
a sustained period
an ongoing period
a continued period
a persistent period

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of continuous are constant, continual, incessant, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can constant take the place of continuous?

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

lived in constant pain

When would continual be a good substitute for continuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to continuous, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When could incessant be used to replace continuous?

While the synonyms incessant and continuous are close in meaning, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is perennial a more appropriate choice than continuous?

The meanings of perennial and continuous largely overlap; however, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When might perpetual be a better fit than continuous?

In some situations, the words perpetual and continuous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 continuous But the momentum depends on continuous investment and global cooperation, currently jeopardized by shifting political priorities. —Mario Jimenez, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2025 The wave that inspired this project is that of the Adriatic, characterized by a fluid, continuous motion shaped by the contours of the seabed. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025 Guitarist Angus Young, the only continuous member in the band’s 51 year history, co-wrote the songs with his brother Malcolm, who died in 2017. —Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025 The Garden Says… is not just an environment but an invitation—one that encourages return, exploration, and the continuous possibility of new meetings. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for continuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continuous
  1. continual
  2. continued
  3. continuing
  4. nonstop
  5. incessant
  6. uninterrupted
Adjective
  • This is the dubious way Trump calculated his ‘reciprocal’ tariffs They are driven toward continual growth.
    — David Brooks, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Consistently share your goals and progress with your employees to model the importance of continual self-development.
    — Barry Marshall, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of continual
Adjective
  • Follow Kevin for continued coverage of drinks culture around the world.
    — Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The prospect of continued rain Saturday morning was enough to lead to organizers of the Bentonville Half Marathon to postpone the event, which was originally scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of continued
Adjective
  • Officials said overnight enforcement will focus on common and continuing offenses such as commercial vehicles parked in residential areas and permit violations.
    — Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Definition of continuing
Adjective
  • Spirit is adding 15 new and returning nonstop routes to The Motor City’s DTW.
    — Brandon Withrow, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Travelers in Colorado trying to reach Utah from Denver International Airport will find a new option starting next week with the launch of Contour Airlines nonstop flights to Moab and Vernal, airport officials confirmed Thursday.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of nonstop
Adjective
  • As Dorian’s life becomes an incessant bacchanal, Snook spends much of her time mugging and narrating directly into a smartphone screen, which is seamlessly projected onto a wall behind her.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • If Alex has a bit more credibility, not being as intractable in her positions, both have a tendency to come off as disagreeable in their incessant bickering and self-righteousness.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of incessant
Adjective
  • The two-tool combo kit also includes a 350 CFM (cubic feet per minute) leaf blower, which offers 70 minutes of uninterrupted runtime, and can handle light projects like hard surfaces and dry leaves.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The battery is removable for easy charging, and users have the ability to purchase an additional battery for an even longer, uninterrupted cleaning period.
    — Maggie Horton, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of uninterrupted

Browse Nearby Words

continuity
continuous
continuously
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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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