incessant

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈse-sᵊnt How to pronounce incessant (audio)
Definition of incessantnext
as in continuous
going on and on without any interruptions the incessant noise from an outside repair crew was a real distraction during the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can constant be used instead of incessant?

In some situations, the words constant and incessant are roughly equivalent. However, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When could continual be used to replace incessant?

The words continual and incessant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When is it sensible to use continuous instead of incessant?

Although the words continuous and incessant have much in common, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

Where would perennial be a reasonable alternative to incessant?

While the synonyms perennial and incessant are close in meaning, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When would perpetual be a good substitute for incessant?

The words perpetual and incessant can be used in similar contexts, but 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 incessant Charlie is clearly uncomfortable with Buck’s incessant insistence to revive the past, and rebuffs Buck’s numerous advances – from nonstop phone calls to unexpected office visits. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025 But in the interest of not completely alienating customers with incessant, irrelevant, or personally offensive ads, the social media company is giving users the ability to block advertisers for a year. —Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025 The thunderous bangs from a drummer hovering just above the stage are incessant throughout. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025 Ullom uses the car’s features to his advantage, mining the uncomfortable glow of flashing hazard lights and the incessant beeping of an open door, for tension. —Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incessant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incessant
  1. continuous
  2. continual
  3. continued
  4. continuing
  5. nonstop
Adjective
  • By fostering a culture of continuous learning, leveraging emerging talent and focusing on transferable skills, organizations can stay competitive and effectively bridge the skills gap in their IT departments.
    — Brad Smith, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Their work demonstrates that revolutionary movements are not ruptures but re-awakenings, continuous struggles that recycle and reinterpret the past in pursuit of a freer future.
    — Rebecca Ruth Gould, JSTOR Daily, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of continuous
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
  • American Airlines is adding a new nonstop flight destination from Charlotte to a popular ski resort town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the airline confirmed Wednesday.
    — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Spirit is adding 15 new and returning nonstop routes to The Motor City’s DTW.
    — Brandon Withrow, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of nonstop

Browse Nearby Words

incertitudes
incessant
incessantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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