Continual — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /kən-ˈtin-yü-əl/ con·tin·u·al

Meaning & Definition of Continual

Continual (adjective)

  1. continuing indefinitely in time without interruption
  2. recurring in steady usually rapid succession

Continual (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. going on and on without any interruptions

    "the castaways hoped that the continual broadcast of the distress signal would eventually attract attention"

    similar: ceaseless, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, perpetual, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting
    related: dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, interminable, permanent, undying, unending, changeless, constant, stable, steady, unchanging, unvarying, durable, enduring, lasting, persistent, imperishable, indestructible
    opposite: discontinuous, noncontinuous
    near: intermittent, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring, alternate, alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady

  2. occurring or appearing at intervals

    "a history of continual invasions from countries to the west"

    similar: intermittent, on-and-off, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring
    related: alternate, alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, aperiodic, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady
    opposite: constant, continuous, incessant, unceasing
    near: eternal, everlasting, interminable, perpetual

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Continual

The most common words with a similar meaning to Continual:

ceaseless, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, perpetual, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting, intermittent, on-and-off, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Continual

Words with the opposite meaning of Continual:

discontinuous, noncontinuous, constant, continuous, incessant, unceasing

Related Words for Continual

dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, interminable, permanent, undying, unending, changeless, constant, stable, steady, unchanging, unvarying, durable, enduring, lasting, persistent, imperishable, indestructible, alternate, alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, aperiodic, erratic

Near Antonyms of Continual

intermittent, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring, alternate, alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady, eternal, everlasting, interminable, perpetual

Origin & Etymology of Continual

Middle English continuel, borrowed from Anglo-French, probably from continu continuous + -el, going back to Latin -ālis -al:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Continual

Frequently Asked Questions about Continual

What does "Continual" mean?

"Continual" means continuing indefinitely in time without interruption. As an adjective, it is defined as: continuing indefinitely in time without interruption. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Continual"?

Other words for "Continual" include ceaseless, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, perpetual and running. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Continual" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Continual"?

There are 55 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Continual". Common alternatives include ceaseless, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, perpetual, running, unbroken and unceasing.

What is the opposite of "Continual"?

Antonyms of "Continual" include discontinuous, noncontinuous, constant, continuous, incessant and unceasing. Near antonyms include intermittent, periodic, periodical and recurrent.

How do you use "Continual" in a sentence?

Examples of "Continual" in a sentence: "the castaways hoped that the continual broadcast of the distress signal would eventually attract attention"; "a history of continual invasions from countries to the west".

Is "Continual" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Continual" is an adjective.

Is "Continual" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Continual" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Continual"?

"Continual" is pronounced /kən-ˈtin-yü-əl/ and divided into syllables as con·tin·u·al.