PERENNIAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perennial

adjective

pə-ˈre-nē-əl

Definition of perennial

as in enduring

having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish her perennial pessimism was really starting to annoy her coworkers

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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 So are perennial postseason performer Kiké Hernández and high-leverage relievers Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 The resurgent Swag star beat out some stiff competition from Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl legend Travis Kelce, Spider-Man star Tom Holland, World Cup viral Viking Erling Haaland and perennial contender actor Robert Pattinson. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026 To do that, Libertyville had to get past perennial conference power Warren in a game that had to be finished the next morning due to persistent lightning. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 Towns finished with eight points, seven rebounds and three assists but turned the ball over three times, shot two-of-seven from the field, and lost his positional matchup to Davis, the former perennial All-Star whose career was derailed by injury. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perennial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perennial

Adjective

Their interpretations of the witch archetype keep the classic Halloween costume relevant and enduring.

— Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
There are few celebrity beauty signatures quite as enduring as Ariana Grande’s sky-high ponytail.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of enduring

Adjective

The classmate, Joleene Altum, sued Griffin for emotional distress and invasion of privacy, and Griffin countersued for defamation in a bitter, ongoing legal battle.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The investigation into the violence was ongoing, and police asked witnesses to come forward.

— Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of ongoing

Adjective

Senna holds an immortal presence in modern Formula 1 for the manner of his racing—ferocious, endowed with grace—and for his untimely death.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
This all-loving creator is ever present, completely good, and the intelligent source of immortal truth and unending love.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of immortal

Adjective

He is surrounded by a parade of savvier comic archetypes — from his urbane, happily rational brother, Beralde (Dylan Baker), to his smart-aleck maid, Toinette (Rachel Bloom, giving eternal side-eye) — who have to either evade or manipulate him.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Advertisement No end to the season could have been more apt than Joanne and Noah pledging their eternal love while, in a gorgeous beachfront rental just steps away, their parents and siblings tear each other apart.

— Judy Berman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of eternal

Adjective

Valadao has been a perpetual target of Democrats given their longtime voter registration edge in this area.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Beneath the spy plots, then, is a fond portrait of a group of people held in perpetual disgrace for their shortcomings, and thus forced to find individual paths to redemption.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of perpetual

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

Explore See latest videos, charts and news Latin music is a powerful example of how artists continue to evolve, inspire new audiences and build lasting connections across generations.

— Billboard Staff, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
The Brewers have left their mark on our area in a much more lasting way.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lasting

Browse Nearby Words

peremptory

perennial

perennially

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“Perennial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perennial. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of perennial

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Synonyms of perennial

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to perennial

Is That Plant 'Perennial' or 'Annual'?

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on perennial

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