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 Available directly on the Los Angeles Times homepage, this content includes continuous live camera feeds from iconic locations in Los Angeles, from Hollywood to Malibu. —Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025 Our live-in care service is designed to provide continuous, round-the-clock support to individuals who often have complex needs and rely on their carer for daily assistance. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 In this new landscape, the companies that thrive will be those that master the art of continuous learning. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025 Sustainability is a journey, not a destination—involving continuous learning, unlearning and relearning. —Ernest Toh, Forbes, 21 Feb. 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
  • The bond market may be an even more important check than the stock market for Trump, especially considering that the nation’s $36 trillion in debt needs continual refinancing.
    — Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Under Trump's continual personal attacks, Smith defended his conduct as fully lawful, free of partisan influence and vital to the justice system.
    — Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of continual
Adjective
  • There, under the guidance of new coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi, the switch proved instrumental to Chiles' continued success as a gymnast — and the triumph of her mental health.
    — Alex Ross, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Users experiencing continued disruptions should keep an eye on Slack's official status page for real-time information on the progress of the resolution.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of continued
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
Definition of continuing
Adjective
  • But the seemingly nonstop injury news coming out of Arizona and Florida means all 30 clubs will continue looking for pitching.
    — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The Southwest Airlines websites has one-way nonstop tickets to Orlando starting at $149.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of nonstop
Adjective
  • To some observers, the incessant joking was the sort of heartless mirth that social media had been running on for decades.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Listen to this article MIAMI — In a league where stoppages can be incessant, Erik Spoelstra largely has gone with the flow.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of incessant
Adjective
  • Dependable, uninterrupted and effective foreign aid is critical to the well-being of millions of children.
    — Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • White Noise Machines – Surprisingly Effective Light sleepers and city dwellers, take note — white noise machines aren’t just for babies and can often be the key to uninterrupted sleep.
    — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of uninterrupted

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Cite this Entry

“Continuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continuous. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of continuous for Spanish Speakers

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