Synonyms for

Continual

Verb / kʌˈntɪnju:ʌl / Another word for continual — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Happening again and again over a period of time.

Synonyms & similar words

sporadic constant incessant unending persistent repeated recurring endless eternal perpetual uninterrupted unvarying unceasing interminable never-ending ongoing regular routine sustained unrelenting non-stop

Synonyms by register

Formal

continuous persistent unceasing incessant

Informal

constant ongoing nonstop always happening

Literary

perpetual everlasting

Antonyms

discontinuous intermittent sporadic occasional infrequent ceasing ending

Common collocations

  • continual effort
  • continual improvement
  • continual change
  • continual stream
  • continual process
  • continual worry
  • continual reminders

Word family

noun continuation
verb continue
adverb continually

Usage note

Continual implies something that happens repeatedly and frequently, often with short breaks in between, whereas continuous means without any interruption. For example, 'continual rain' suggests rain that stops and starts, while 'continuous rain' means it rained without stopping.

Example sentences

  1. The rain was continual all day long.
  2. The dog's barking was continual and annoyed the neighbors.
  3. The teacher gave continual reminders to turn in homework on time.
  4. The construction noise was continual and disrupted the neighborhood.
  5. The company had continual financial problems and had to lay off employees.

Quotes

  • The only thing more painful than being an active forgetter is to be a continual rememberer.
  • Change is not merely necessary to life - it is life. Life is a continual process of death and rebirth.
  • The mind is a continual feast of scraps and leftovers.

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