continually

adverb

con·​tin·​u·​al·​ly kən-ˈtin-yü-ə-lē How to pronounce continually (audio)
-yə-lē
Synonyms of continuallynext
: in a continual manner : without stopping or interruption
a security system that runs continually
We had endured a series of dark, gloomy, winter days, during which the sun had been continually hidden behind dense, rain clouds.—George Thatcher
… I was too thoroughly swept away by this richly imagined and continually surprising novel to be concerned with cute comparisons.—Edan Lepucki
They bickered continually, ignoring me as I worked around them.—Paula Fox
: in a constantly repeated manner : over and over
being interrupted continually
She would write. I would read and edit, and sometimes shift the wordings, or change phrases or delete things. We would continually refine what was written.—Herbie Hancock

Examples of continually in a Sentence

grew up in a time when children were continually being told to mind their manners the computer program continually updates the file with new information
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Law enforcement and schools districts continually urge parents to warn their children of the consequences of making false or written threats, including facing a felony charge and school discipline. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 The industry continually calls for more movies aimed at women. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 If the past eight years of Brazilian politics are any guide, Lula’s next administration is likely to be a turbulent one in which enduring divisions at home and abroad are continually tested. — Anthony W. Pereira, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Jones went 13 for 22 for 108 yards and lost 44 yards on four sacks, with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores continually sending blitzers into the backfield. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for continually

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contynuely, from continuel continual + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of continually was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Continually.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continually. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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