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 But a perennial sticking point is whether the ceasefire will end the war altogether. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 Whether minimally embellished or boldly colored, the timeless appeal of straw handbags endures as a perennial summer favorite, both practical and fashionable — the perfect companion for city strolls as well as seaside sojourns. Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 2 July 2025 With a Peruvian restaurant currently topping the World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking, Nikkei food has never been more in fashion, as evidenced by the perennial popularity of this Palma hotspot. Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Their reputation as perennial underachievers outside of France was shattered by the 2025 Champions League heroics. Darren Richman, New York Times, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perennial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial
Adjective
  • That memory, faint but enduring, was set in the downstairs den of their home.
    Ajdina Halilovic, Wired News, 6 July 2025
  • But those undeniable glimpses didn’t develop into anything more enduring.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The jury was shown transcripts of angry emails and text messages between Serafini and his wife’s parents showing a heated, ongoing dispute over a $1.3 million loan from his in-laws to help fund his wife’s fledgling horse ranch business.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • At the same time, rising tariffs and ongoing trade disruptions have made cattle production more costly.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Not because of any moral presumptions about the persistent script’s immortal sole, but for economy expedience when constructing distributed autonomous organisations (DAOs).
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Where to watch: Netflix 'The Old Guard 2' Based on the comic-book series, this action sequel reunites Andy (Charlize Theron) with her crew of immortal warriors.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • In refreshing contrast, David Corenswet's Supes is the eternal optimist; an earnest Kansas farm boy who insists on seeing the best in humanity.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • Traversing solemnly sentimental piano, Push and Malice trade icy menace for eternal love in a delicate letter to their dead parents.
    Peter A. Berry, Variety, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • But experts say a health issue called time blindness could be to blame for perpetual tardiness.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Will Cavanagh ever stop living in perpetual crisis mode?
    John Blake, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
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
Adjective
  • Withholding these funds will cause lasting harm to students and families, and to our education system, our future workforce, and our economy.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • And there was no lasting evidence of that whatsoever.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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