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 An agreement with the AFE (Spanish professional footballers’ association) states players are entitled to three weeks of continuous holiday per year, thus leaving a window of 18 days for a pre-season. —Leon Imber, New York Times, 12 July 2025 Damaging wind and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025 With a three-layer filter, clean water flows quietly in either continuous or motion-sensing mode. —Cierra Cowan July 11, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025 The technique requires precise control and rhythm, as the powder is carefully released between the fingers in a continuous flow. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 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
  • Throughout all conversations, there needs to be a continual and jarring reminder that the AI is just a machine.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • As inflation climbs, continual setbacks to DEI-advancement and the crumbling employment landscape, Blount’s skepticism is unsurprising.
    — Jasmine Browley, Essence, 10 July 2025
Definition of continual
Adjective
  • Much of the increase has been earmarked for public safety, specifically for police and fire, amid continued growth, officials said.
    — Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 9 July 2025
  • If containment lines are broached, expect continued backing, flanking and headfire runs into adjacent tributary drainages and up to the PCT.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 July 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
  • There are nonstop flights back to the U.S. from several airports.
    — William P. Barrett, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • The service is part of a United campaign that’s adding 24 nonstop flights to some of the biggest college games of the 2025 season.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2025
Definition of nonstop
Adjective
  • In an era of incessant image production and reproduction, how does cultural relevance emerge?
    — Ana María Caballero, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The incessant drumline from CFB25 has been replaced by bands playing real songs and fight songs, making daily returns to the game much more enjoyable.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Definition of incessant
Adjective
  • Knowing this enables Nissan to work with its suppliers to maintain uninterrupted production.
    — Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The hardwood flooring from the entry hall has an uninterrupted flow into the dining room and on to the kitchen.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 13 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of continuous for Spanish Speakers

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