perpetual

adjective

pər-ˈpe-chə-wəl How to pronounce perpetual (audio)
Definition of perpetualnext
1
as in continuous
going on and on without any interruptions the perpetual rise and fall of the sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ongoing
having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish freedom of religion is a perpetual right that is guaranteed by the nation's constitution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in eternal
lasting forever an immature jerk who seemed to be in a state of perpetual adolescence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of perpetual are constant, continual, continuous, incessant, and perennial. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

When is constant a more appropriate choice than perpetual?

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

lived in constant pain

When can continual be used instead of perpetual?

While the synonyms continual and perpetual are close in meaning, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When would continuous be a good substitute for perpetual?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpetual, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

In what contexts can incessant take the place of perpetual?

In some situations, the words incessant and perpetual are roughly equivalent. However, incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When is it sensible to use perennial instead of perpetual?

The synonyms perennial and perpetual are sometimes interchangeable, but perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

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 perpetual Yet the perpetual sad boy is already contemplating the extent of his mortality — and his legacy. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 Vedder, a passionate Cubs fan, supplied a guitar that will serve as a perpetual trophy in the contest. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025 Whatever tumult continues to envelop the TV/streaming advertising industry, there is something comforting about the media swallows returning to Capistrano/Manhattan for the formal kick off to the now perpetual scramble for ad dollars in the media industry. —Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Despite the show currently being available on Apple globally and with at least one more season to come, Jennifer Ebell said there is plenty opportunity to monetize Severance both now and further down the line, while the smash sci-fi thriller is a perpetual reputation builder for Fifth Season. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perpetual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpetual
  1. continuous
  2. ongoing
  3. eternal
  4. continual
  5. enduring
  6. endless
  7. continued
  8. immortal
Adjective
  • Looking ahead, Goldman analyst Eric Sheridan expects artificial intelligence to be a catalyst for internet stocks in his coverage universe, seeing the technology as a continuous driver for growth as applications expand.
    — Brian Evans, CNBC, 28 May 2025
  • Post-launch, your IT team should shift into a continuous improvement mindset.
    — Akram Atallah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of continuous
Adjective
  • China remains the hub for global electronics manufacturing, including for PC graphics cards, video game consoles, and smartphones, although companies have been moving their manufacturing to India, Vietnam and Taiwan to avoid Trump’s ongoing trade war.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Beige embroidery on indigo and acid washes with embroidery nod to the ongoing country and vintage trends.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Definition of ongoing
Adjective
  • Featuring continuous, interlocking lines, the popular motif symbolizes infinity, the eternal nature of life, unity and bonds of loyalty.
    — Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The technique makes an ephemeral beauty eternal by flattening the daisies, pansies, violets, and wildflowers that color your garden and turning them into enchanting home decor.
    — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 27 May 2025
Definition of eternal
Adjective
  • Her belief in continual evolution is what allows Billboard to stay ahead of trends while never losing sight of its clients' goals.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • And now with tariffs adding to the issue, teams need to develop a digital sandbox of their end-to-end supply chains to test out alternative sourcing and pricing strategies on a continual basis to improve and feed planning and execution as new ways of producing and sourcing arise.
    — Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 4 June 2025
Definition of continual
Adjective
  • All the more so now with her enduring and inimitable legacy re-discovered and back in view.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
  • Together, the Wades would champion science education and environmental conservation, co-founding the Museum Institute for Teaching Science and supporting cultural institutions with quiet but enduring impact.
    — Annie Davidson, Robb Report, 29 May 2025
Definition of enduring
Adjective
  • Ovation Sparkling Wine – a full-bodied and rich sparkler with fresh notes of green apple on the nose followed by complex toasty notes, white peach, lemon meringue, a hint of salty stone, and endless streaming bubbles.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • There is an endless array of motors, switches, cables, tools, and connectors.
    — Eric Bangeman – Jun 4, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • Preserving the conservative majority will ensure the county’s continued success, Ramirez said.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • With the lack of licensing and taxation for hemp, and continued problems for cannabis, the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue, Ford said.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Definition of continued
Adjective
  • Diaz is accompanied by an immortal knight, a resourceful swashbuckler, an elderly vampire, a horny werewolf and an elf who can turn invisible (using a power that reminded me of Doli from The Prydain Chronicles).
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Sacchi had been hired to implement his countercultural style to Italy — the high-pressing, on-the-front-foot, winning-isn’t-enough-on-its-own mentality of his era-defining and immortal Milan side.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Definition of immortal

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Cite this Entry

“Perpetual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpetual. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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