Continually — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /kən-ˈtin-yü-ə-lē/ con·tin·u·al·ly

Meaning & Definition of Continually

Continually (adverb)

  1. in a continual manner, without stopping or interruption, in a constantly repeated manner, over and over

Continually (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. many times

    "grew up in a time when children were continually being told to mind their manners"

    similar: again and again, constantly, frequently, hourly, much, oft, often, oftentimes, over and over, repeatedly, a lot, time after time, time and again
    related: always, consistently, continuingly, continuously, night and day, perpetually, unceasingly, uninterruptedly, afresh, again, anew, commonly, habitually, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, intermittently, periodically, recurrently, generally, usually
    opposite: infrequently, little, rarely, seldom
    near: now, now and then, occasionally, sometimes, sporadically, ne'er, never, once

  2. on every relevant occasion

    "the computer program continually updates the file with new information"

    similar: always, aye, consistently, constantly, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, night and day, perpetually, unfailingly, at every turn
    related: commonly, frequently, oft, often, oftentimes, recurrently, repeatedly, continuously, steadily, uninterruptedly, unremittingly, dependably, generally, habitually, normally, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, typically, usually, inevitably, eternally, everlastingly
    opposite: ne'er, never
    near: intermittently, occasionally, periodically, sometimes, sporadically, infrequently, rarely, seldom, unusually, variously

Related Entry: Continual (adjective)

Continual is a different word from Continually. The synonyms below are for continual, not for continually.

  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 Continually

The most common words with a similar meaning to Continually:

again and again, constantly, frequently, hourly, much, oft, often, oftentimes, over and over, repeatedly, always, aye, consistently, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, night and day, perpetually, unfailingly, a lot, time after time, time and again, at every turn

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Continually

Words with the opposite meaning of Continually:

infrequently, little, rarely, seldom, ne'er, never

Related Words for Continually

continuingly, continuously, unceasingly, uninterruptedly, afresh, again, anew, commonly, habitually, ordinarily, regularly, routinely, intermittently, periodically, recurrently, generally, usually, steadily, unremittingly, dependably, normally, typically, inevitably, eternally, everlastingly

Near Antonyms of Continually

now, now and then, occasionally, sometimes, sporadically, once, intermittently, periodically, unusually, variously

Origin & Etymology of Continually

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

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Continually

Frequently Asked Questions about Continually

What does "Continually" mean?

"Continually" means in a continual manner, without stopping or interruption, in a constantly repeated manner, over and over. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a continual manner, without stopping or interruption, in a constantly repeated manner, over and over. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Continually"?

Other words for "Continually" include again and again, constantly, frequently, hourly, much, oft, often and oftentimes. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Continually" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Continually"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Continually". Common alternatives include again and again, constantly, frequently, hourly, much, oft, often, oftentimes, over and over and repeatedly.

What is the opposite of "Continually"?

Antonyms of "Continually" include infrequently, little, rarely, seldom, ne'er and never. Near antonyms include now, now and then, occasionally and sometimes.

How do you use "Continually" in a sentence?

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".

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

"Continually" is an adverb.

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

As a C1-level word, "Continually" 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 "Continually"?

"Continually" is pronounced /kən-ˈtin-yü-ə-lē/ and divided into syllables as con·tin·u·al·ly.